Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tall, narrow laboratory container with calibrated volume markings: A "graduated cylinder" is a piece of laboratory glassware used to measure the volume of a liquid. It is characterized by its cylindrical shape and a series of precise, etched or printed lines (graduations) that indicate volume measurements.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Please use the 100 mL graduated cylinder to measure 50 mL of water for the experiment.
  • The accuracy of a graduated cylinder is less than that of a volumetric flask, but it is suitable for most routine measurements.

Advanced Usage

• "To read a graduated cylinder": To correctly determine the volume of liquid in the cylinder by observing the bottom of the meniscus (the curved surface of the liquid) at eye level with the graduation mark.
  • Remember to read the graduated cylinder at eye level to avoid parallax error.

Variants and Related Words

• Graduate (noun): A less common term for a graduated cylinder or a similar measuring vessel.
  • The chemist reached for a glass graduate.
• Measuring cylinder: A synonym commonly used in British English.
• Graduated (adjective): Marked with a series of lines for measurement.
  • The graduated scale on the beaker is only approximate.

Synonyms

• Measuring cylinder: A cylindrical container with volume markings.
• Graduate: A general term for a calibrated measuring vessel.

Related Phrases

• "To pour into a graduated cylinder": To transfer a liquid into this specific measuring instrument.
  • Carefully pour the solution into a graduated cylinder.
• "The 10-mL graduated cylinder": Specifying the capacity of the cylinder.
  • For small volumes, the 10-mL graduated cylinder is more precise.

Noun

1. a cylindrical graduate