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noun

carburetor

KAH-buh-reh-tuh

Carburetor (noun) means a device in an engine that mixes fuel with air before it is burned. Example: “The old truck's carburetor needed cleaning after sitting all winter.”

noun
1
A device in an engine that mixes fuel with air before it is burned.
"The old truck's carburetor needed cleaning after sitting all winter."

How to use carburetor

Learner’s notes
UK vs US

Spelled "carburettor" in British English, with a double t.

Word forms

carburetors plural

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Fill the gap

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The old truck's _____ needed cleaning after sitting all winter.

Etymology

From "carburet," an old chemistry term meaning to enrich with carbon, plus the agent suffix -or. First used for engines around 1896.

· First attested 1896

Class of 1896 carburetor joined the language around 1896.
See the full Class of 1896 →
carburettor

Rhymes for carburetor

See all rhymes for carburetor →

Frequently asked questions

What does “carburetor” mean?

The word “carburetor” means a device in an engine that mixes fuel with air before it is burned.

How do you pronounce “carburetor”?

“Carburetor” is pronounced KAH-buh-reh-tuh (/ˈkɑɹb(j)əˌɹeɪtɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “carburetor” in a sentence?

Here is “carburetor” used in a sentence: “The old truck's carburetor needed cleaning after sitting all winter.”

What part of speech is “carburetor”?

“Carburetor” is a noun.

Where does the word “carburetor” come from?

The word “carburetor” dates back to around 1896. From "carburet," an old chemistry term meaning to enrich with carbon, plus the agent suffix -or. First used for engines around 1896.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial