piston / cob / flask
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piston
A cylindrical component in engines, pumps, or compressors that moves up and down inside a cylinder in order to compress or move gases or liquids.
Bei dem alten Motorrad war ein Kolben festgefressen.
In the old motorcycle, a piston had seized up.
The meaning of 'Kolben' depends entirely on the topic. Pay attention to the context: Are you talking about technology (engine), food (corn), chemistry (laboratory), or weapons (rifle)?
Der Mechaniker sagte, wir brauchen einen neuen Kolben für den Motor.
The mechanic said we need a new piston for the engine.
When the topic is engines, pumps, or machines, it always means the cylindrical component. Typical words in this context are 'Zylinder' (cylinder), 'Motor' (engine), and 'Druck' (pressure).
Der Kolben verdichtet das Gasgemisch im Zylinder.
The piston compresses the gas mixture in the cylinder.
In connection with food, cooking, or agriculture, it almost always means a corn cob. The word 'Mais' (corn) is often mentioned directly before it.
Die Kinder lieben süße Maiskolben vom Grill.
The children love sweet corn cobs from the grill.
In the laboratory or in chemistry class, 'Kolben' refers to a glass vessel. The type is often specified more precisely, for example 'Erlenmeyerkolben' (Erlenmeyer flask) or 'Rundkolben' (round-bottom flask).
Der Professor erhitzte die Flüssigkeit in einem Glaskolben.
The professor heated the liquid in a glass flask.
When a rifle, hunting, or the military is being discussed, 'Kolben' means the rear part of the weapon that you place against your shoulder.
Der Soldat hielt das Gewehr fest am Kolben.
The soldier held the rifle firmly by the stock.
stamp
'der Stempel' and 'der Kolben' can both be solid objects that have an effect through pressure or movement. Still, they normally belong to completely different areas. In everyday use, a 'Stempel' is a device used to press ink onto paper, for example in an office or at a public authority. A 'Kolben' is a technical component that moves in an engine or pump. The words can be confused if you only think about the shape or a pressing motion. In normal usage, however, you say 'Stempel' for paper and an imprint, and 'Kolben' for machines or technology.
In der Werkstatt erklärt der Mechaniker, warum der Kolben im Motor beschädigt ist.
In the workshop, the mechanic explains why the piston in the engine is damaged.
Am Schalter setzt die Mitarbeiterin einen Stempel auf das Formular.
At the counter, the employee puts a stamp on the form.