Definitions for: Piston

[n] mechanical device that has a plunging or thrusting motion
[n] United States neoclassical composer (1894-1976)

Webster (1913) Definition: Pis"ton, n. [F. piston; cf. It. pistone piston, also
pestone a large pestle; all fr. L. pinsere, pistum, to pound,
to stamp. See Pestle, Pistil.] (Mach.)
A sliding piece which either is moved by, or moves against,
fluid pressure. It usually consists of a short cylinder
fitting within a cylindrical vessel along which it moves,
back and forth. It is used in steam engines to receive motion
from the steam, and in pumps to transmit motion to a fluid;
also for other purposes.

Piston head (Steam Eng.), that part of a piston which is
made fast to the piston rod.

Piston rod, a rod by which a piston is moved, or by which
it communicates motion.

Piston valve (Steam Eng.), a slide valve, consisting of a
piston, or connected pistons, working in a cylindrical
case which is provided with ports that are traversed by
the valve.

Synonyms: plunger, Walter Piston

See Also: composer, mechanical device, piston ring, piston rod, reciprocating engine

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