What does turbocharger mean?
A turbocharger is a forced-induction device used primarily with internal-combustion engines. It takes energy from the engine's exhaust gases and uses it to spin a turbine connected to a compressor, which squeezes the air entering the engine. Because the denser intake contains more oxygen, the engine can burn more fuel per cycle and produce more power without necessarily increasing its displacement. Turbochargers are especially common in performance cars, trucks, and other engines where high power output or improved fuel economy is desirable. The technology is also widely recognized through the informal word “turbo.” A turbocharger should not be confused with a supercharger: although both use forced induction, they drive their compressors in different ways. The term combines “turbo,” referring to turbine-driven operation, with “charger,” describing the machine's role in increasing the engine's intake pressure.
nounA turbocharger is a device fitted to an internal-combustion engine that uses energy from the engine's exhaust gases to drive a turbine and compress the incoming air, allowing more fuel to be burned. This forced-induction system can increase an engine's power and, when properly designed, its fuel efficiency.
- A device that uses exhaust energy to drive a turbine-powered compressor, increasing the air pressure and power of an internal-combustion engine.
"The mechanic replaced the damaged turbocharger, restoring the car's acceleration."
"The mechanic replaced the worn turbocharger before the rally."
"Turbocharger technology helped the manufacturer meet the new fuel-efficiency targets."
The plural is used when referring to more than one turbocharger.
"The factory installed two turbochargers in the engine."
A turbocharger turns energy in the engine's hot exhaust into a turbine that compresses incoming air, turning what might otherwise be lost into extra power.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does turbocharger come from?
Turbocharger was formed by combining turbo- with charger. The element turbo comes through English from Latin turbo, meaning “a spinning” or “a whirling,” and is related to turbine; charger derives from charge, in the sense of supplying or increasing an electrical or mechanical charge. The compound became established with the development of turbine-driven forced-induction engines in the twentieth century.
How turbocharger is actually used
Technically a noun associated with engines and vehicles, although “turbo” is widely used as a colloquial abbreviation. In general speech, “turbo” can also refer more broadly to forced induction, including systems commonly called superchargers.
Easily confused with turbocharger
A turbocharger uses exhaust gases to drive a turbine, which powers a compressor, whereas a supercharger uses engine-driven mechanical linkage to operate its compressor directly.