Cylinder Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cylinder

[หˆsษชlษชndษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

geometry

A solid geometrical figure with straight parallel sides and a circular or oval cross section.

Synonyms

barrel, pipe, shaft, tube.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cylinder

Used in geometry and in mechanical contexts to denote a three-dimensional shape with circular bases. Often referenced in mathematics, engineering, and physics.

  • The volume of a cylinder can be calculated using the formula V = ฯ€r^2h.
  • The car's engine has six cylinders.
tube

Often used to describe a long, hollow cylinder usually made of plastic, glass, or metal, used for transporting liquids or gases, or for containing substances. Can also refer to the shape of certain objects.

  • She squeezed a small amount of toothpaste from the tube.
  • The plant laboratory stored samples in glass tubes.
barrel

Commonly used to describe a large, cylindrical container typically made of wood, metal, or plastic, and often used for storing liquids like wine, oil, or beer.

  • They stored the wine in an oak barrel to age it.
  • The barrel of oil fell over and spilled on the ground.
pipe

Refers to a hollow tube, often made of metal, plastic, or another material, used for conveying liquids, gases, or sometimes to refer to musical instruments like organs.

  • The plumber fixed the broken pipe under the sink.
  • The organ produces sound using a series of pipes.
shaft

Usually refers to a long, narrow, cylindrical component commonly used in machinery to transmit power or rotation. It can also mean a vertical or inclined passage in a mine.

  • The drive shaft was replaced to ensure the car runs smoothly.
  • The miners descended into the shaft to reach the lower levels of the mine.

Examples of usage

  • The engine has a four-cylinder configuration.
  • She used a measuring cylinder to pour the liquid.
  • The canister is shaped like a cylinder.
Context #2 | Noun

mechanics

A cylindrical object or part, such as a piston or roller.

Synonyms

barrel, pipe, shaft, tube.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cylinder

This term is commonly used in mathematics and mechanics to describe a three-dimensional shape with circular bases. It is also used in engines to refer to the chamber where fuel combusts.

  • The soda can is shaped like a cylinder.
  • The engine has four cylinders.
tube

This term is often used to describe a hollow, cylindrical object, usually flexible, such as those found in plumbing or healthcare. It is also used for electronic devices like TV tubes.

  • The inner tube of the bicycle tire had a puncture.
  • Disposable plastic tubes are commonly used in hospitals.
barrel

This word is often used to refer to a large container, typically made of wood or metal, which is used to store liquids like wine, whiskey, or oil.

  • The winery stored the new wine in oak barrels.
  • The price of oil is measured per barrel.
pipe

This term is used to describe a long, hollow tube used to transport fluids or gases. It is also used in music to refer to wind instruments like a flute.

  • The plumber fixed the broken pipe in the bathroom.
  • She played a beautiful melody on the pipe.
shaft

This word is generally used to describe a long, narrow structure or part of a mechanism, such as the structural poles found in buildings, mines, or machinery.

  • The elevator shaft goes up to the 20th floor.
  • The car's driveshaft was in need of repair.

Examples of usage

  • The hydraulic cylinder extends and retracts to move the machine.
  • The brake caliper contains a piston cylinder.
  • He replaced the damaged roller cylinder.
Context #3 | Noun

chemistry

A cylindrical container used for storing gases or liquids.

Synonyms

canister, container, tank, vessel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cylinder

Generally used to describe a three-dimensional geometric shape with two parallel circular bases. It can also refer to containers holding gas under pressure.

  • The cylinder had a height of 10 inches.
  • He filled the gas cylinder before starting the BBQ.
container

A general term for any object that can hold or store items. It can range from household storage to large shipping units.

  • We packed our belongings into several containers.
  • The container ship arrived at the port yesterday.
vessel

Can refer to a container for holding liquids, but it is also commonly used in a nautical context to mean a ship or boat.

  • The vessel was filled with rare wine.
  • The fishing vessel sailed at dawn.
tank

Used to describe large containers holding liquids or gases. It is commonly used in industrial, military, or aquatic contexts.

  • The water tank needs to be cleaned.
  • The fish tank is home to many tropical fish.
canister

Commonly used for small containers, often holding food or chemicals. It is often used for storage or preserving items.

  • She stored the flour in a metal canister.
  • The canister of coffee beans was almost empty.

Examples of usage

  • The laboratory technician filled the gas cylinder.
  • The oxygen cylinder is essential for medical emergencies.
  • She carefully labeled each chemical cylinder.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • The volume of a cylinder can be calculated by multiplying the area of the base circle by its height.
  • Cylinders are a common shape in geometry, appearing in both solids and liquids when visualizing flow.
  • The formula for the surface area combines the areas of the circular ends and the curved surface, making it a practical shape in various calculations.

Science

  • Cylinders are often seen in engineering, where pipes and tanks are used to transport fluids efficiently.
  • In physics, the concept of a cylinder can be crucial in understanding rotational motion, like wheels or gears.
  • The ideal gas law can be visually represented using a cylinder, demonstrating how gases expand and occupy space.

Art and Design

  • The cylinder shape is common in architecture, with many columns supporting buildings or structures.
  • Artists often use cylindrical forms in sculptures and pottery to create visually balanced pieces.
  • Film canisters and other objects designed for art often adopt cylindrical shapes for practical functionality.

Pop Culture

  • In animated films, cylindrical shapes are frequently used to create characters and props, adding a whimsical touch.
  • Cylinders represent things like towers or canisters in video games, providing a familiar aesthetic to players.
  • The iconic shape of soda cans is recognized globally, making the cylinder a symbol of refreshment and fun.

History

  • Ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, used cylinder seals as a way to mark documents, storing information in a compact shape.
  • The invention of the steam engine included cylindrical elements, allowing the advancement of industrial machinery.
  • Cylinder-shaped instruments, like the modern-day saxophone, are rooted in historical developments in music.

Origin of 'cylinder'

The word 'cylinder' originated from the Latin word 'cylindrus', which in turn came from the Greek word 'kulindros', meaning 'roller' or 'cylinder'. The concept of the cylinder has been used in various fields such as geometry, mechanics, and chemistry for centuries, playing a crucial role in engineering and scientific applications.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,257, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.