Plain English Meaning

A system that uses a pump, run by the engine itself, to squeeze more air into the cylinders. This lets the engine keep producing strong power at altitudes where the thinner outside air would otherwise cause it to lose power.

Full Definition

An induction system in which an engine-driven air compressor (the supercharger) increases the pressure of the intake air before it enters the engine's cylinders, allowing the engine to maintain its rated power at higher altitudes where the surrounding air is less dense. The compressor is mechanically driven by the engine's crankshaft, typically through a gear train.

Context Anchor

Seen in discussions of aircraft engine , at , and - .