Definition

1. Noun:
   • A mechanical device that moves with a plunging or thrusting motion: A piston is a solid cylinder or disk that fits snugly into a larger cylinder and moves under fluid pressure (as in an engine) or against fluid pressure (as in a pump). It is a fundamental component in many mechanical systems for converting energy.
   • Walter Piston (1894-1976): A United States neoclassical composer, known for his symphonies, ballet music, and influential textbooks on harmony and counterpoint.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Mechanical Device):

  • The engine's power comes from the rapid up-and-down motion of the pistons.
  • A faulty piston can cause a loss of compression in the cylinder.
  • The pump uses a piston to force water through the pipe.

• Noun (Person):

  • The orchestra performed a suite by Walter Piston.
  • Piston's textbook on harmony is still widely used in music schools.

Advanced Usage

• "Piston ring": A split ring that fits into a groove on the outer diameter of a piston to seal the gap between the piston and the cylinder wall.

  • Worn piston rings can lead to excessive oil consumption.

• "Piston engine": An internal combustion engine that uses one or more pistons to convert pressure into a rotating motion.

  • Most automobiles are powered by a reciprocating piston engine.

Variants and Related Words

• Piston rod (n): The rod that connects a piston to a crankshaft or crosshead.

  • The piston rod transfers the linear motion of the piston.

• Piston-driven (adj): Powered by or involving pistons.

  • It was a classic piston-driven aircraft.

Synonyms

• Plunger: A device with a similar reciprocating motion, often used for clearing blockages or in pumps.
• Ram: A hydraulic or pneumatic piston, especially one that delivers a strong force.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(Note: "Piston" is primarily a technical noun and is not commonly used to form phrasal verbs.)

Related Idioms

(Note: There are no common idioms based on the word "piston.")

Noun

1. mechanical device that has a plunging or thrusting motion
2. United States neoclassical composer (1894-1976)