piston

n. a metal cylinder that moves up and down inside an engine to help create power.

n. a sliding piece moved by or moving against fluid pressure, typically consisting of a short cylindrical body fitting within a cylindrical chamber.

“The mechanic explained that one piston in the engine was stuck and needed repair.”

“The internal combustion engine relies on the rapid movement of pistons to convert the energy from burning fuel into mechanical motion.”

Technical

n. a part of a brass instrument, like a trumpet, that you press to change the note.

n. a valve mechanism in brass instruments that, when depressed, redirects air into additional tubing to alter the pitch.

“The trumpet player pressed the first piston to play a lower note.”

“Unlike the slide on a trombone, the pistons on a tuba allow for rapid, precise changes between notes in complex passages.”

Technical

v. to move up and down or in and out very quickly and steadily.

v. to move with the rhythmic, reciprocating motion characteristic of a piston in a cylinder.

“The runner's legs continued to piston back and forth as he neared the finish line.”

“The heavy machinery began to piston rhythmically, shaking the factory floor with every downward stroke.”

Literary