The word "carburettor" is spelled with two r's and two t's, despite being pronounced with only one of each. The correct spelling with two r's and two t's is due to its etymology; the word originally came from French, where it was spelled "carbureteur." The double r and double t spelling was then adopted into English. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced /ˌkɑː.bəˈreɪ.tər/, with the stress on the second syllable.
A carburettor is a mechanical device used in internal combustion engines, particularly in older vehicles, to regulate the mixture of air and fuel that is needed for proper combustion. It serves as the primary component responsible for delivering the correct fuel-air mixture to the engine's cylinders in order to facilitate efficient and optimal combustion.
The function of a carburettor begins with the intake of air, which is drawn in through the intake manifold. The air passes through a narrow tube called a venturi, where its velocity increases, leading to a decrease in pressure. This decrease in pressure allows fuel to be drawn from the fuel bowl into the airstream, creating a fuel-air mixture. The quantity of fuel is controlled by various adjustable components within the carburettor, such as the throttle valve and the idle speed screw.
Once the fuel-air mixture is created, it flows into the engine's cylinders, where it undergoes combustion when ignited by a spark plug. This combustion provides the necessary energy to power the engine and propel the vehicle.
While carburettors were popular in earlier automotive designs, they have largely been replaced by electronic fuel injection systems that offer more precise control over the fuel-air mixture. However, carburettors still remain in use in some small engines, such as those found in lawn mowers or motorcycles, as well as in classic cars that have not been retrofitted with newer technology.
The word "carburettor" is derived from the combination of two words: "carburate" and "-or".
The term "carburate" originates from the Latin word "carbo", meaning "charcoal" or "carbon", and the suffix "-ate", which denotes the action of combining or reacting. "Carburate" refers to the process of combining fuel with vaporized hydrocarbons or carbon and was first used in the early 19th century to describe the addition of carbon to iron to make it harder.
The suffix "-or" is an agentive suffix that indicates a person or thing that does or performs a particular action. It is borrowed from Latin and can be found in English words such as "actor" or "defender".