carburetor

The story

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

First known use, by meaning

• from 1890s A device in an internal combustion engine where fuel is vaporized and mixed with air prior to ignition.
• from 1860s A device for enhancing illuminating gas by mixing in carbon-rich fuel.
• from 1970s A water pipe or bong; a device or contrivance for mixing air with burning cannabis or cocaine.