dead centre

noun

1. the exact top ( top dead centre ) or bottom ( bottom dead centre ) of the piston stroke in a reciprocating engine or pump
2. a pointed rod mounted in the tailstock of a lathe to support a workpiece

Example Sentences

It is opening of the port at either end of the steam cylinder allowed by the valve when the engine is on a dead centre.

From Project Gutenberg

An old engineer5 gives the following directions for finding the dead centre accurately.

From Project Gutenberg

Turn the engine over and proceed in the same way to find the other dead centre.

From Project Gutenberg

At a late hour that afternoon the war council of the incorporators of Linda Lee Inc. stalled on dead centre.

From Project Gutenberg

In order to set a valve the engine must be brought to a dead centre.

From Project Gutenberg