A gyratory crusher is used for crushing large solid particles.
It consists of a conical crushing head inside a fixed outer shell.
The crushing head moves in a gyratory motion.
The feed particles are caught between the moving crushing head and the fixed shell.
As the gap decreases, the particles are compressed.
Due to this compressive force, the particles break into smaller pieces.
Therefore, the primary mechanism of size reduction in a gyratory crusher is compression.
Attrition is rubbing action.
Impact is sudden blow.
Cutting action is used for fibrous or soft materials.
Hence, the correct answer is:
\[
\text{Compression}
\]