Plain English Meaning
The metal panels and seals around the engine that guide cooling air across the cylinders so the engine doesn't overheat.
Full Definition
In the context of aircraft engines, baffling refers to the metal sheets, plates, and seals installed around the cylinders that direct cooling airflow over and between the cylinder fins to remove heat. Properly fitted baffling forces ram air to flow where it is needed for even cooling rather than allowing it to pass around the engine ineffectively.
Context Anchor
Seen during preflight or before-takeoff checks when inspecting the engine area for loose, cracked, missing, or damaged parts.
Derivation
From the verb 'baffle,' which historically meant to check, restrain, or deflect. In engineering, a 'baffle' is anything that redirects the flow of a or . The 'baffling' on an engine is the collection of those deflecting parts.