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turbocharger

TUR-bo-char-jer /ˈtɜːrboʊˌtʃɑːrdʒər/

nounB2IELTS

technical

A turbine-driven device that increases an engine's efficiency and power by forcing extra air into the combustion chamber.

It uses exhaust gases to spin the turbine, unlike a supercharger which is powered directly by the engine.

The story behind the word. The word 'turbo' comes from the Latin for 'whirlwind' or 'spinning top.' In the early 1900s, Swiss engineer Alfred Büchi invented the 'turbo-supercharger,' which was eventually shortened to just 'turbocharger.'

Word relationships

turbo: The common, shortened version of the word.

naturally aspirated: A naturally aspirated engine relies on atmospheric pressure rather than a turbocharger.

Commonly confused with

supercharger: A supercharger is belt-driven by the engine; a turbocharger is driven by exhaust gas.

Word family

turbocharge (verb): To equip with a turbocharger; to make something much more powerful.

Collocations

turbocharger lag
twin turbocharger
variable-geometry turbocharger

Example sentences

"The turbocharger kicked in, giving the car a sudden burst of speed as more oxygen was forced into the cylinders." Explaining engine power.
"Manufacturers use a small engine with a turbocharger to achieve the power of a larger engine with better fuel economy." Efficiency trends.

Memory hook

A 'turbo' uses a 'whirlwind' of exhaust to 'charge' the engine. Turbo = Exhaust-powered fan.

When not to use

Don't use 'turbo' as a general synonym for 'fast' in a formal engineering context.

Fun facts

Turbochargers were first used extensively in aircraft engines during WWII to help planes fly at high altitudes where the air is thin.
A turbocharger can spin at speeds of over 200,000 RPM—about 30 times faster than a car engine.

Related words

combustion, manifold, aerodynamics

Explore more words

turbine, transmission, throttle, downforce, efficiency, thrust