der Zylinder
cylinder
A geometric solid with two parallel, circular bases and a straight, curved side surface.
EXAMPLE
Im Mathematikunterricht berechneten wir das Volumen eines Zylinders.
In math class, we calculated the volume of a cylinder.
der Zylinder
cylinder / top hat
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Meanings
der Zylinder
cylinder
A component in an internal combustion engine in which a piston moves up and down to generate power.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Auto hat einen Motor mit sechs Zylindern.
This car has an engine with six cylinders.
der Zylinder
top hat
A tall, stiff hat with a cylindrical shape, formerly worn by men on festive occasions.
EXAMPLE
Der Zauberer zog ein Kaninchen aus seinem Zylinder.
The magician pulled a rabbit out of his top hat.
Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning of 'Zylinder' is almost always clear from context. In mathematics it refers to the shape, with cars to an engine part, and with clothing or magicians to the hat.
EXAMPLE
Ein typischer Motor hat vier, sechs oder acht Zylinder.
A typical engine has four, six, or eight cylinders.
Typical collocations
In a technical context, 'Zylinder' is often combined with a number to describe the type of engine. For example, people speak of a 'Vierzylinder' (four-cylinder engine) or an 'Achtzylinder-Motor' (eight-cylinder engine).
EXAMPLE
Mein neues Auto ist ein Sechszylinder.
My new car is a six-cylinder.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'ein Kaninchen aus dem Zylinder zaubern' (to conjure a rabbit out of a top hat) means to present a sudden and unexpected solution to a problem.
EXAMPLE
Wir brauchen dringend eine neue Idee. Kann niemand ein Kaninchen aus dem Zylinder zaubern?
We urgently need a new idea. Can't anyone pull a rabbit out of a hat?
In real life
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