Plain English Meaning

The plumbing that brings outside air into the engine so it can mix with fuel and burn. It pulls air in, cleans it, and routes it to where combustion happens.

Full Definition

The system on a reciprocating or turbine engine that draws in outside air, filters it, and delivers it to the cylinders or compressor section for combustion. On a piston engine it typically includes the air intake, air filter, alternate air or carburetor heat source, throttle body, and intake manifold. On a turbine engine it includes the inlet duct that delivers air to the .