Examples of “piston” in a Sentence

noun A cylindrical part that slides back and forth inside a tube, used to compress fluid or transmit motion in an engine or pump.

• The mechanic replaced the cracked piston and the car ran smoothly again.
• In a bicycle pump, the piston pushes air down the tube and into the tire.
• A worn piston can cause the engine to lose power.

noun A valve mechanism used in some brass instruments to change pitch.

• Each piston on the trumpet opens a different path for the air to travel.
• He cleaned and oiled the pistons so they would move easily when he played.
• The trumpeter pressed the pistons in quick succession.