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piston definition

pis·ton (pis′tən)

noun

  1. the snug-fitting engine part that is forced back and forth within a cylinder by the pressure of combustion, steam, etc. and a reciprocating connecting rod
  2. Music a sliding valve moved in the cylinder of a brass instrument to change the pitch

Etymology: Fr < It pistone < pistare, to pound, crush < LL, freq. of L pinsere, to pound, beat: see pestle

Piston definition

Pis·ton (pis′tən)

Piston, Walter 1894-1976; U.S. composer

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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