cylinder - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
cylinder Word Meanings
- a three-dimensional geometric shape with two parallel circular bases
- a tube-like structure
- an object shaped like a cylinder
cylinder Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
cylinder Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈsɪl.ɪn.dər/
US
/ˈsɪl.ɪn.dɚ/
cylinder Word Etymology
cylinder = cylindre (Greek) + -er (English suffix). Origin: Greek → Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a rolling cylinder, like a can of soup, smoothly gliding across the table, illustrating its shape.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
In geometry a cylinder is a three dimensional figure with two parallel circular bases connected by a curved surface; in everyday English the word also refers to round, tube like objects such as a gas cylinder, a soup can, or a pipe that is shaped like a cylinder. People often describe anything hollow and tubular as a cylinder, but true cylinders require two circular faces and a single curved side. Learners commonly confuse cylinder with tube or with a cone, or think cylinder only applies to gas tanks. When talking about size we use volume and height: a cylinder has height h and radius r. The plural is cylinders.
Usage Reminders
- Remember cylinders have two parallel circular bases.
- Use cylinder for solid shapes or hollow tube-like objects.
- Cylindrical is the adjective; plural is cylinders.
- Avoid using cylinder to mean just a circle or a flat disk.
- Compare cylinder with tube and cone to understand differences.
Common Misconceptions
- Mistaking a cylinder for a circle, forgetting it is 3D
- Thinking all tubes are cylinders
- Confusing cylinder with cone or prism
- Believing gas cylinders are the only cylinders
- Using cylinder to describe flat round disks
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker: Cylinder is a 3D shape with two circular bases and a curved surface; learners often picture only a can or a tube and forget the need for both bases or confuse with tube and cone.
Learning Tips
- Draw both bases and label the height and radius.
- Compare with a tube to feel the difference between hollow and solid shapes.
- Use cylindrical to describe the shape, not the material.
- Remember cylinders are cylindrical in all directions, not flat shapes.
- Practice with real objects like cans and gas cylinders to link form and word.
- Check plural form: cylinders.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'cylinder' correctly?
A.I ate a delicious cylinder for lunch.
B.The cylinder was flying in the sky.
C.My pet cylinder loves to play fetch.
D.The teacher wrote on the whiteboard with a cylinder.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'cylinder'?
A.Triangle
B.Tube
C.Rectangle
D.Sphere
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'cylinder'?
A.Flat
B.Round
C.Solid
D.Long
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you find a 'cylinder'?
A.Taking a bath
B.Baking a cake
C.Planting flowers
D.Solving a math problem
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App