top dead center
"Top dead center" is a critical position in engines and machinery, marking the highest point of a piston's travel.
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Definition
C1Automotive
(technical)The position of a piston in an internal combustion engine when it reaches its highest point in the cylinder, used as a reference for ignition timing and valve operation.
Example
- To set the ignition timing, ensure the piston is at top dead center on the compression stroke.
- The mechanic checked the flywheel to confirm the engine was at top dead center.
C2Machining
(technical)The precise position on a machine tool where the cutting tool aligns with the axis of rotation of the workpiece, ensuring accurate cutting or drilling.
Example
- Align the cutting tool to top dead center for symmetrical machining.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "top dead center":