English Reference
Adjective

cylindrical

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /səˈɫɪndɹɪkəɫ/ UK /sɪlˈɪndɹɪkəl/ cylin·dri·cal

adj.having the shape of a cylinder — round on the sides and flat on the top and bottom. You use this word to describe objects like cans, pipes, or tanks.

adj.having the form of a cylinder; characterized by a circular cross-section and parallel sides. Typically used attributively before a noun.


SIMPLE

The water tank is cylindrical and made of steel.

CONTEXTUAL

The engineer designed a cylindrical container to hold the liquid safely during transport.

COMPLEX

The architect chose a cylindrical structure for the museum, allowing for unobstructed views and efficient use of interior space.


From Latin cylindricus + -al. By surface analysis, cylinder + -ical.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated