cylinder Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a solid bounded by a cylindrical surface and two parallel planes (the bases)
  2. noun a surface generated by rotating a parallel line around a fixed line
  3. noun a chamber within which piston moves
    piston chamber.
  4. noun a cylindrical container for oxygen or compressed air

WordNet

Cyl"in*der noun
Etymology
F. cylindre, OF. cilindre, L. cylindrus, fr. Gr. , fr. ,, to roll. Cf. Calender the machine.
Definitions
  1. (Geom.) (a) A solid body which may be generated by the rotation of a parallelogram round one its sides; or a body of rollerlike form, of which the longitudinal section is oblong, and the cross section is circular. (b) The space inclosed by any cylindrical surface. The space may be limited or unlimited in length.
  2. Any hollow body of cylindrical form, as: (a) The chamber of a steam engine in which the piston is moved by the force of steam. (b) The barrel of an air or other pump. (c) (Print.) The revolving platen or bed which produces the impression or carries the type in a cylinder press. (d) The bore of a gun; the turning chambered breech of a revolver.
  3. The revolving square prism carryng the cards in a Jacquard loom.

Webster 1913