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Webster's New World College Dictionary » cylinder
cylinder
cylinder definition
cyl·in·der (sil′ən dər)
noun
- Geom.
- in geometry, a solid figure consisting of two parallel bases in the form of congruent, closed curves joined by a smooth, continuous, closed surface; specif., such a figure (right circular cylinder) having circular bases and a surface perpendicular to the bases
- the surface of such a solid
- anything having the shape of a cylinder, whether hollow or solid; specif.,
- the turning part of a revolver, containing chambers for cartridges
- the chamber in which the piston moves in a reciprocating engine
- the barrel of a pump
- on a printing press, a roller carrying the printing plates or the part receiving the impression
- a large, hollow, cylindrical clay object with cuneiform inscriptions, or a similar small stone worn on the wrist in ancient times in the Middle East
Etymology: Fr cylindre < L cylindrus < Gr kylindros < kylindein, to roll < IE base *(s)kel-, to bend > calcar, colon
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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