cyl|in|der

cyl|in|der «SIHL uhn duhr», noun, verb.

–n.

1. a) a solid bounded by two equal, parallel circles and by a curved surface, formed by moving a straight line of fixed length so that its ends always lie on the two parallel circles. In a right circular cylinder the circles are perpendicular to the line; in an oblique circular cylinder they are not. b) a solid bounded by two parallel planes and a curved surface formed by moving a straight line so that it constantly describes a given curve and remains parallel to its original position. c) a curved surface formed by either of these motions. d) the volume of any such solid.

2. any long, round object, solid or hollow, with flat ends: »

Tin cans and rollers are cylinders.

3. the rotating part of a revolver that contains chambers for cartridges.

4. a) the piston chamber of an internal-combustion engine. b) the barrel of a pump.

5. Printing. a) a revolving drum, forming part of a flat-bed press, which produces the impression. b) one of two or more revolving drums on a rotary press which carry the printing plate or the blanket or receive the impression.

6. Archaeology. a) a cylindrical stone seal used by the Babylonians and Assyrians. b) a hollow, barrel-shaped object of baked clay bearing cuneiform inscriptions.

7. a) a vessel or container having the form of a cylinder. b) its contents.

–v.t.

1. to furnish with a cylinder or cylinders.

2. to subject to the action of a cylinder or cylinders.

╂[< Latin cyldrus < Greek kýlindros < kylíndein to roll]