Definition

Noun: A supercharger is a mechanical device, specifically a compressor, that forces more air into the cylinders of an internal combustion engine than would be possible at normal atmospheric pressure. This increases the amount of oxygen available for combustion, allowing the engine to burn more fuel and produce significantly more power.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The high-performance car was equipped with a powerful supercharger.
  • Installing a supercharger is a common method for boosting an engine's horsepower.
  • Unlike a turbocharger, a supercharger is typically driven directly by the engine's crankshaft via a belt.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: In engineering discussions, a supercharger is often contrasted with a turbocharger. While both are forced induction systems, a supercharger provides immediate power boost but can be less efficient as it draws power from the engine itself.
  • The debate between using a supercharger or a turbocharger depends on the desired power delivery characteristics.

Variants and Related Words

• Supercharge (verb): To equip with or use a supercharger; to increase power or intensity.
  • They decided to supercharge the old engine for the race.
• Supercharged (adjective): Describing an engine equipped with a supercharger, or something that is highly energized.
  • The supercharged version of the car is much faster.

Synonyms

• Blower: A common informal term for a supercharger, especially certain types like Roots blowers.
• Forced induction system: A broader technical term that includes both superchargers and turbochargers.

Related Phrases and Idioms

Note: "Supercharger" is a specific technical noun and is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions or phrasal verbs. Its usage is primarily literal and related to automotive or mechanical engineering contexts.

Noun

1. compressor that forces increased oxygen into the cylinders of an internal-combustion engine