Definition
The rise in temperature that occurs when a gas is compressed. As the gas is squeezed into a smaller volume, the work done on it is converted into thermal energy, raising its temperature even though no heat has been added from outside.
Plain English
When you squeeze air into a smaller space, it gets hotter. That extra heat comes from the act of squeezing it, not from any outside heat source.
Context Anchor
Seen in engine, air-compressor, and induction-system discussions where air temperature changes because pressure changes.
Derivation
From Latin 'comprimere' — to press together. The heat appears because pressing the gas together forces its molecules closer and faster, which is what temperature measures.
Why Pilots Care
Unmanaged heat of compression can raise mixture temperatures enough to cause detonation or pre-ignition in high-compression engines.
Analogy
Think of a bicycle pump after pumping up a tire — the barrel gets warm. The same effect, scaled up, happens inside an engine's compressor.
Grounding Statement
Picture a piston moving upward and squeezing air in a cylinder; as the space gets smaller, the air gets hotter.
Intuition Check
Do not assume the heat must come from fire or an electrical heater. In heat of compression, the temperature rises because the gas is being squeezed.
Example Sentence 1
The heat of compression in the turbocharger raised the induction air temperature enough to require an intercooler.
Example Sentence 2
The intercooler removes part of the heat of compression created by the supercharger so the charge entering the cylinders stays cooler.