Definition

1. Noun:
   • A cylindrical container for oxygen or compressed air: A hollow, tube-shaped object designed to hold gases under pressure.
   • A chamber within which a piston moves: In an engine or pump, the cylindrical tube in which a piston travels back and forth.
   • A surface generated by rotating a parallel line around a fixed line: The geometric surface formed by moving a straight line parallel to itself along a fixed closed curve (usually a circle).
   • A solid bounded by a cylindrical surface and two parallel planes (the bases): A three-dimensional geometric shape with two identical, parallel circular bases connected by a curved surface.

Examples of Usage

• As a container:
  • The firefighter carried an oxygen cylinder.
  • We need to replace the gas cylinder for the barbecue.
• In mechanics:
  • A V8 engine has eight cylinders.
  • The piston is stuck in the cylinder.
• In geometry:
  • A can of soup is a good example of a cylinder.
  • Calculate the volume of the cylinder.

Advanced Usage

• "To be firing on all cylinders": To be functioning or performing at maximum capacity or efficiency.
  • After a good rest, the team was firing on all cylinders.
• "The cylinder of a revolver": The rotating part of a revolver that holds the bullets.
  • He spun the cylinder of the gun.

Variants and Related Words

• Cylindrical (adj): Having the shape of a cylinder.
  • The tower was a tall, cylindrical structure.
• Cylindricity (n): The quality of being perfectly cylindrical.

Synonyms

• Tube: A long, hollow cylinder (often for a specific function like fluid transport).
• Drum: A cylindrical container, often for storing liquids.
• Barrel: A large, cylindrical container, especially for aging liquids like wine or for gun components.

Related Phrases

• Cylinder block (compound noun): The main structure of an engine containing the cylinders.
  • The mechanic inspected the cylinder block for cracks.
• Cylinder head (compound noun): The detachable plate that covers the end of the cylinder block.
  • A blown head gasket sits between the cylinder block and the cylinder head.

Related Idioms

• To have a cylinder missing: To not be operating correctly or at full potential; to be sluggish. (A metaphorical extension from engine trouble).
  • He seems tired today, like he's got a cylinder missing.

Noun

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