First Known Use: 1570
Dictionary
cylinder
noun cyl·in·der \ˈsi-lən-dər\
Definition of CYLINDER
1
a : the surface traced by a straight line moving parallel to a fixed straight line and intersecting a fixed planar closed curve b : a solid or surface bounded by a cylinder and two parallel planes cutting all its elements; especially : right circular cylinder — see volume table
2
: a cylindrical body or space: as a : the turning chambered breech of a revolver b (1) : the piston chamber in an engine (2) : a chamber in a pump from which the piston expels the fluid c : any of various rotating members in a press (as a printing press); especially : one that impresses paper on an inked form d : a cylindrical clay object inscribed with cuneiform inscriptions
— cyl·in·dered \-dərd\ adjective
— on all cylinders
: with maximum effort or intensity : at full capacity or speed <the economy is running on all cylinders>
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Origin of CYLINDER
Middle French or Latin; Middle French cylindre, from Latin cylindrus, from Greek kylindros, from kylindein to roll; perhaps akin to Greek kyklos wheel — more at wheel
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
CYLINDER Defined for Kids
cylinder
noun cyl·in·der \ˈsi-lən-dər\
Definition of CYLINDER for Kids
: a long round body whether hollow or solid
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