master cylinder: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Specialised
Quick answer
What does “master cylinder” mean?
The primary hydraulic cylinder in a vehicle's braking system that converts pedal pressure into hydraulic pressure.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The primary hydraulic cylinder in a vehicle's braking system that converts pedal pressure into hydraulic pressure.
A main control cylinder in hydraulic systems, typically found in automotive brakes and industrial machinery, responsible for initiating and regulating hydraulic force distribution.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No lexical difference; identical term used. Spelling follows respective regional conventions in technical documentation.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both regions with identical engineering precision.
Frequency
Equal frequency in automotive and mechanical engineering contexts in both UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “master cylinder” in a Sentence
The master cylinder [verb: failed/leaks/operates]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “master cylinder” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The system requires you to master-cylinder the hydraulic circuit.
- We'll need to master-cylinder the brake assembly.
American English
- You have to master cylinder the hydraulic setup.
- They master cylindered the new brake system.
adverb
British English
- The brake pedal moved master-cylindrically.
- The fluid flowed master-cylindrically through the lines.
American English
- The system failed master cylindrically.
- It operates master cylindrically under pressure.
adjective
British English
- The master-cylinder unit was faulty.
- Check the master-cylinder pressure reading.
American English
- The master cylinder component needs replacement.
- We ordered a master cylinder repair kit.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; only in automotive parts sales or manufacturing contexts.
Academic
Engineering and automotive technology textbooks and courses.
Everyday
Car repair discussions among mechanics or knowledgeable DIY enthusiasts.
Technical
Standard term in automotive repair manuals, hydraulic system schematics, and mechanical engineering.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “master cylinder”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “master cylinder”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “master cylinder”
- Using 'main cylinder' without technical precision; confusing with 'brake booster' or 'proportioning valve'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the braking system would be completely inoperative without a functional master cylinder.
No, it's part of the brake system, usually mounted on the firewall or under the bonnet/hood.
Common signs include a spongy brake pedal, brake fluid leaks near the cylinder, or the brake pedal sinking to the floor.
Yes, all hydraulic brake systems require a master cylinder to generate the necessary pressure.
The primary hydraulic cylinder in a vehicle's braking system that converts pedal pressure into hydraulic pressure.
Master cylinder is usually technical/specialised in register.
Master cylinder: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːstə ˈsɪlɪndə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmæstər ˈsɪləndər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'master' controlling servants (slave cylinders) in a hydraulic kingdom.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTROL CENTRE (The master cylinder is the brain/heart of the hydraulic system).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a master cylinder?