Turbocharged Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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turbocharged

[ˈtɜːrboʊˌtʃɑːrdʒd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

automotive technology

Turbocharged refers to an engine that is equipped with a turbocharger, a device that increases the engine's efficiency and power by forcing extra air into the combustion chamber. This process allows for more fuel to be burned, resulting in enhanced performance and acceleration. Turbocharged engines are often lighter and more compact than naturally aspirated engines while producing more power. This technology is commonly used in both performance and economy-focused vehicles, providing a balance between power and fuel efficiency.

Synonyms

boosted, powered, supercharged.

Examples of usage

  • The turbocharged engine offers significantly more horsepower.
  • Many modern cars are now equipped with turbocharged variants for better fuel economy.
  • The turbocharged model accelerates faster than its non-turbo counterparts.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Automotive Technology

  • Turbocharged engines significantly improve performance by forcing more air into the combustion chamber, resulting in more fuel being burned.
  • They can increase horsepower by 30-50% compared to non-turbo engines, allowing smaller engines to perform like larger ones.
  • Turbocharging technology is now used not just in high-performance cars but also in everyday vehicles to improve fuel efficiency.

Pop Culture

  • Turbocharged vehicles often feature in films and video games, symbolizing speed and excitement, like in the 'Fast & Furious' franchise.
  • The phrase 'turbocharged' is also used in marketing and advertising to suggest enhanced performance or more dynamic features in various products.

Science

  • In physics, the principle of increasing airflow for enhanced energy production can be seen in various applications, such as jet engines and rocket propulsion.
  • Turbocharging principles mimic natural phenomena, such as how hurricanes gather strength by drawing in warm air, demonstrating efficiency in energy transfer.

Economics

  • The term turbocharged is often used metaphorically in economics to describe sectors or strategies that experience sudden, rapid growth.
  • For instance, some companies are said to have 'turbocharged' their growth by adopting innovative technologies or business models to gain competitive advantages.

Origin of 'turbocharged'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'turbocharged' comes from 'turbo', which is derived from the Latin word 'turbo', meaning 'spinning top' or 'whirlwind'.
  • The concept of adding a turbocharger to an engine emerged in the late 19th century, primarily aimed at enhancing locomotive speeds.

The term 'turbocharged' derives from the word 'turbocharger', which is a compound of 'turbo' and 'charger'. The prefix 'turbo-' comes from the Latin word 'turbo', meaning 'whirl' or 'spinning top', and it reflects the device's operation, which utilizes a turbine to compress the air entering the engine. The concept of turbocharging emerged in the early 20th century, with the first patents for turbochargers granted in the 1900s. By the 1950s, turbocharged engines began to be widely used in aircraft and later in automobiles, particularly as performance vehicles sought more power without increasing engine size. Today, turbocharging has become commonplace in the automotive industry as manufacturers aim to produce engines that are both powerful and fuel-efficient, meeting stringent environmental regulations while appealing to consumer demand.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,845 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.