rhizoverbBeta
DictionarypneumaticPressurized air or gas
adjective

pneumatic

noo-MAT-ik/nuːˈmætɪk/

Using or containing air or gas under pressure.

The pneumatic cylinder lifts the weight as compressed air enters beneath its piston.

A compressed-air tank drives a pneumatic cylinder that lifts a small weight.
Etymology
pneumatGreekwind, breath
+icGreekpertaining to

Greek pneuma meant wind or breath, giving pneumatic its connection with air. In machinery, that connection is specifically to air pressure as the means of operation.

In context

Forgotten Labor0:00
a caisson worker standing at the bottom of a pneumatic working chamber in the bed of the Mississippi River at Wagaman, Louisiana, was surrounded by compressed air
How Workers Built the Huey P. Long Bridge Across the Mississippi River

More examples

  • Pneumatic tires cushion the ride over rough ground.
  • The system moves the piston with pneumatic pressure.
  • A hose carries compressed air to the pneumatic drill.

Forms

pneumatic