Definition

1. Noun:
   • A cylinder containing brake fluid that is compressed by a piston: In a hydraulic braking system, the master cylinder is the primary component where the driver's pedal force is converted into hydraulic pressure. This pressure is then transmitted through the brake lines to actuate the brakes at the wheels.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The mechanic diagnosed the problem as a failing master cylinder.
  • When you press the brake pedal, it pushes a piston inside the master cylinder.
  • A leak in the master cylinder can lead to a complete loss of braking power.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: The term is almost exclusively used in mechanical and automotive engineering contexts to describe a specific, critical component of a vehicle's braking system.
  • The dual-circuit master cylinder is a safety feature that provides redundancy in case one circuit fails.

Variants and Related Words

• Brake master cylinder: A more specific full term.
• Brake cylinder: A less specific, sometimes synonymous term, though it can also refer to wheel cylinders.
• Clutch master cylinder: A related component in a vehicle's hydraulic clutch system, operating on the same principle but for disengaging the clutch.

Synonyms

• Primary cylinder
• Brake fluid reservoir (Note: This is not a perfect synonym, as the reservoir is often a separate part mounted on top of the master cylinder body, but the terms are sometimes conflated in informal usage.)

Related Phrases

• Master cylinder bore: Refers to the internal diameter of the cylinder.
  • A larger master cylinder bore requires more pedal force but provides less pedal travel.
• Master cylinder kit: A set of parts for rebuilding or repairing a master cylinder.

Noun

1. a cylinder that contains brake fluid that is compressed by a piston