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cyl·in·der  (silən-dər)
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Tweet n. 1. Mathematics a. The surface generated by a straight line intersecting and moving along a closed plane curve, the directrix, while remaining parallel to a fixed straight line that is not on or parallel to the plane of the directrix. b. The portion of such a surface bounded by two parallel planes and the regions of the planes bounded by the surface. c. A solid bounded by two parallel planes and such a surface, especially such a surface having a circle as its directrix. 2. A cylindrical container or object. 3. Engineering a. The chamber in which a piston of a reciprocating engine moves. b. The chamber of a pump from which fluid is expelled by a piston. 4. The rotating chamber of a revolver that holds the cartridges. 5. Any of several rotating parts in a printing press, especially one that carries the paper. 6. Archaeology A cylindrical stone or clay object with an engraved design or inscription. [Latincylindrus, fromGreekkulindros, fromkulindein, to roll.]  (click for a larger image) cylinderTo calculate the volume of a right circular cylinder, multiply the area of the base by the altitude. |
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