Piston vs. Plunger

Pistonnoun

A solid disk or cylinder that fits inside a hollow cylinder, and moves under pressure (as in an engine) or displaces fluid (as in a pump)

Pistonnoun

(music) A valve device in some brass instruments for changing the pitch

Pistonnoun

(firearms) en

Pistonverb

(intransitive) To move up and down or in and out like a piston.

Pistonnoun

A sliding piece which either is moved by, or moves against, fluid pressure. It usually consists of a short cylinder fitting within a cylindrical vessel along which it moves, back and forth. It is used in steam engines to receive motion from the steam, and in pumps to transmit motion to a fluid; also for other purposes.

Pistonnoun

United States neoclassical composer (1894-1976)

Pistonnoun

mechanical device that has a plunging or thrusting motion

Piston

A piston is a component of reciprocating engines, reciprocating pumps, gas compressors, hydraulic cylinders and pneumatic cylinders, among other similar mechanisms. It is the moving component that is contained by a cylinder and is made gas-tight by piston rings.

Plungernoun

A device that is used to remove blockages from the drain of a basin or tub, by suction.

Plungernoun

The internal piece of a syringe that pushes out or pulls in any contents.

Plungernoun

The sliding activator of an exploder, an electrical generator used to trigger electrical detonators such as blasting caps.

Plungernoun

The part of a cafetière that is pushed down to remove grounds from coffee.

Plungernoun

One who plunges; a diver.

Plungernoun

A horse that plunges, or throws itself suddenly forward.

Plungernoun

(military) A cavalryman.

Plungernoun

A device similar to a piston but without a mechanism; a long solid cylinder used, instead of a piston or bucket, as a forcer in pumps.

Plungernoun

The moving portion of a solenoid.

Plungernoun

(pinball) The spring-loaded assembly that propels the ball onto the table.

Plungernoun

A reckless gambler.

Plungernoun

(pottery) A boiler in which clay is beaten by a wheel to a creamy consistency.

Plungernoun

(firearms) The firing pin of a breechloader.

Plungernoun

One who, or that which, plunges; a diver.

Plungernoun

A long solid cylinder, used, instead of a piston or bucket, as a forcer in pumps.

Plungernoun

One who bets heavily and recklessly on a race; a reckless speculator.

Plungernoun

A boiler in which clay is beaten by a wheel to a creamy consistence.

Plungernoun

The firing pin of a breechloader.

Plungernoun

someone who risks losses for the possibility of considerable gains

Plungernoun

someone who dives (into water)

Plungernoun

hand tool consisting of a stick with a rubber suction cup at one end; used to clean clogged drains

Plungernoun

mechanical device that has a plunging or thrusting motion

Plunger

A plunger, force cup, plumber's friend or plumber's helper is a tool used to clear blockages in drains and pipes. It consists of a rubber suction cup attached to a stick (shaft) usually made of wood or plastic.