intercooler
UK[ˈɪntəˌkuːlə(r)]US[ˈɪn(t)ərˌkuːlər]
n
a device for cooling a gas between successive stages of compression, especially in an internal-combustion engine.
Morpheme Breakdown
inter
cool
er
inter
between
cool
make cold
er
agent suffix
Etymology
the word 'intercooler' is a modern technical compound formed from established english elements. the latin prefix 'inter-' was borrowed into english to denote a position between two things. it is combined with the germanic root 'cool', which has old english origins tracing back to proto-germanic 'kōlaz', itself from the proto-indo-European root 'gel-', meaning "cold". the agent suffix '-er' is added to form a noun for a device. thus, an intercooler is logically a device that performs cooling between stages, specifically between compression stages in an engine, with its meaning transparently built from its constituent parts.
Analysis
Structure: inter (between) + cool (make cold) + er (agent suffix)
- inter: from latin 'inter', meaning "between, among". a prefix indicating location or relationship between things.
- cool: from old english 'cōl', meaning "moderately cold". a root verb meaning to make or become less warm.
- er: from old english '-ere', an agent noun suffix indicating a person or thing that performs an action.
Examples
the turbocharged engine's efficiency was improved by adding a more efficient intercooler.
after the compressor, the hot air passes through the intercooler before entering the intake manifold.
upgrading the intercooler can reduce intake temperatures and increase power output.