Collins English-English Dictionary

cylinder ['sɪlɪndə]

1. 1. n a solid consisting of two parallel planes bounded by identical closed curves, usually circles, that are interconnected at every point by a set of parallel lines, usually perpendicular to the planes. Volume base arealength

2. 2. n cylinder seal a cylindrical seal of stone, clay, or precious stone decorated with linear designs, found in the Middle East and Balkans: dating from about 6000 bc

3. 3. n a surface formed by a line moving round a closed plane curve at a fixed angle to it

4. 4. n [Brit] hot-water cylinder a vertical cylindrical tank for storing hot water, esp an insulated one made of copper used in a domestic hot-water system

5. 5. n any object shaped like a cylinder

6. 6. n the chamber in a reciprocating internal-combustion engine, pump, or compressor within which the piston moves - See also cylinder block

7. 7. n the rotating mechanism of a revolver, situated behind the barrel and containing cartridge chambers

8. 8. n [printing] any of the rotating drums on a printing press

9. 9. vt. [tr] to provide (a system) with cylinders

10. 10. vt. [Etymology] C16: from Latin cylindrus, from Greek kulindros a roller, from kulindein to roll