cylinder

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an object or solid shape with straight parallel sides and circular ends

   The metal cylinder lay half buried in the sand.

2. 2
   noun

   a solid bounded by a curved cylindrical surface and two parallel circular bases

   Students measured the radius and height of the cylinder.

3. 3
   noun

   a chamber or container shaped like a cylinder, especially in an engine, lock, or gas tank

   The mechanic checked the engine cylinder for damage.

From Middle French cylindre, from Latin cylindrus, from Ancient Greek kylindros, from kylindein, "to roll." The root image is something that can roll, which fits both the geometric shape and later mechanical containers.

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