Plain English Meaning
Ice that builds up inside the carburetor because the fuel, as it turns from liquid into vapor, cools the surrounding air enough to freeze the moisture in it.
Full Definition
A form of induction system icing in which ice forms inside the carburetor as a result of the temperature drop that occurs when liquid fuel vaporizes and mixes with incoming air. As the fuel changes from liquid to vapor, it absorbs heat from the surrounding air, cooling it below freezing and causing any moisture present to freeze on internal carburetor surfaces.
Context Anchor
Seen in carburetor icing discussions, especially when learning why carb ice can form even when the outside air temperature is above freezing.
Derivation
comes from the Latin vapor, meaning or mist. It refers to a liquid turning into a . The term names the cause of this icing : the act of fuel vaporizing is what cools the air enough to form ice.