cylinder block

American  

noun

Automotive.

1. the metal casting in which the cylinders of an internal-combustion engine are bored.

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cylinder block British  

noun

1. Sometimes shortened to: block.  the metal casting containing the cylinders and cooling channels or fins of a reciprocating internal-combustion engine

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Etymology

Origin of cylinder block

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

The cast-iron Chrysler cylinder blocks became a weak point, cracking the main webbings after just a few runs.

From New York Times

At a Ford Motor Co. plant near London, workers manufacture cylinder blocks, crankshafts and other components for Ranger pickup trucks that are sold to buyers across the European Union.

From The Wall Street Journal

One reduced the thickness of the metal liner of a cylinder block of an engine.

From Seattle Times

There’s powerful temptation to reach directly for it, even though the cylinder blocks that access.

From New York Times

Aluminum has not only been used for pistons, but a number of motors will be built for the coming season that will use aluminum cylinder block castings as well.

From Project Gutenberg