master cylinder

American  

noun

1. the hydraulic pump of an automotive braking system that contains a cylinder and one or two pistons, is actuated by the brake pedal, and supplies hydraulic fluid under pressure to the brakes at each wheel.

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master cylinder British  

noun

1. a large cylinder in a hydraulic system in which the working fluid is compressed by a piston enabling it to drive one or more slave cylinders See also slave cylinder

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Example Sentences

Documents say dealers will replace the master cylinder and front brake booster if needed.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 22, 2022

Pressure created in the master cylinder is transmitted to four so-called slave cylinders.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

Mr. Funicello used his armored truck as a kind of traveling billboard for his mixed martial arts gym, but it has sat outside his home about two years after someone stole the truck’s master cylinder.

From New York Times • Jun. 17, 2015

The SUVs may have been outfitted with a faulty brake master cylinder reservoir cap.

From Reuters • Jan. 11, 2012

“When I have free time, and parts. You wouldn’t happen to know where I could get my hands on a master cylinder for a 1986 Volkswagen Rabbit?” he added jokingly.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer