carburetor

Meanings

1. A device in an internal combustion engine where fuel is vaporized and mixed with air prior to ignition.
2. A device for enhancing illuminating gas by mixing in carbon-rich fuel.
3. A water pipe or bong; a device or contrivance for mixing air with burning cannabis or cocaine.

Etymology

Attested from 1862, from carburet (“enrich an illuminating gas with carbon-rich fuel”) + -or. The motor vehicle sense is attested since 1896