A carburetor is a device that controls the power output and fuel feed of internal combustion spark-ignition engines used for automotive, aircraft, and auxiliary services. Its duties include control of the engine power by the air throttle; metering, delivery, and mixing of fuel in the airstream; and graduating the fuel-air ratio according to engine requirements in starting, idling, and load and altitude changes.

A carburetor also refers to a part of a gasoline engine in which liquid fuel is converted into a vapor and mixed with a regulated amount of air for combustion in the cylinders.