pump1
n.
- a mechanical device using suction or pressure to raise or move liquids, compress gases, or force air into inflatable objects.
- Physiology a mechanism in living cells by which specific ions are moved through a cell membrane against a concentration gradient.
v.
- force (liquid, gas, etc.) to move by or as if by means of a pump.
▸move in spurts as though driven by a pump.
▸
(pump something out)
produce or emit something in large quantities or amounts.
-
(often pump something up)
fill (something) with liquid, gas, etc.
▸
(pump something up)
informal turn up the volume of music.
▸
[as adj. pumped up]
informal very enthusiastic or excited.
- move or cause to move vigorously up and down.
- informal try to elicit information from (someone) by persistent questioning.
Phrase
- pump iron
informal exercise with weights.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: rel. to Du. pomp ‘ship's pump’, prob. partly of imitative origin.