Carburetor Meaning
/ˈkɑːb(j)əˌɹɛtə/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA device in an internal combustion engine where fuel is vaporized and mixed with air prior to ignition.
nounA device for enhancing illuminating gas by mixing in carbon-rich fuel.
Sentence Examples
"I think we should clean the carburetor." "I already tried that."
The carburetor wasn't the problem. You needed a new fuel pump.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The mechanic adjusted the ____ to mix air and fuel for the engine.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The mechanic had to clean the ____ of the old car's engine tonight.
Word Origin & History
Attested from 1862, from carburet (“enrich an illuminating gas with carbon-rich fuel”) + -or. The motor vehicle sense is attested since 1896
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Variations on the bong included air-driven pipes, electric pipes, ice pipes (chillers), mask pipes, chamber pipes, and carburetor pipes."
— 1989, United States International Trade Commission, Importation of certain drug paraphernalia into the United States, page 8:
"Some pipes feature a “carburetor,” which is a small hole in the air chamber located past the bowl. The carburetor is held shut while the bowl is being lit and the smoke drawn."
— 2008, Dale Gieringer, Ed Rosenthal, Gregory Carter, Marijuana Medical Handbook, page 172:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The mechanic adjusted the ____ to mix air and fuel for the engine.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The mechanic had to clean the ____ of the old car's engine tonight.