1. n. & v.
--n.
1. a machine, usu. with rotary action or the reciprocal action of a piston, for raising or moving liquids, compressing gases, inflating tyres, etc.
2 an instance of pumping; a stroke of a pump.
--v.
1. tr. (often foll. by in, out, into, up, etc.) raise or remove (liquid, gas, etc.) with a pump.
2 tr. (often foll. by up) fill (a tyre etc.) with air.
3 tr. remove (water etc.) with a pump.
4 intr. work a pump.
5 tr. (often foll. by out) cause to move, pour forth, etc., as if by pumping.
6 tr. elicit information from (a person) by persistent questioning.
7 tr. a move vigorously up and down. b shake (a person's hand) effusively.
Phrases and idioms:
pump-brake a handle of a pump, esp. with a transverse bar for several people to work at. pump-handle colloq. shake (a person's hand) effusively. pump iron colloq. exercise with weights. pump-priming
1. introduce fluid etc. into a pump to prepare it for working.
2 esp. US the stimulation of commerce etc. by investment.
pump room
1. a room where fuel pumps etc. are stored or controlled.
2 a room at a spa etc. where medicinal water is dispensed.
Etymology: ME pumpe, pompe (orig. Naut.): prob. imit. 2. n.1 a plimsoll.
2 a light shoe for dancing etc.
3 US a court shoe.
Etymology: 16th c.: orig. unkn.