cylinder
The set of {tracks} on a multi-headed {disk} that
may be accessed without head movement. That is, the
collection of disk tracks which are the same distance from the
spindle about which the disks rotate. Each such group forms
the shape of a cylinder. Placing data that are likely to be
accessed together in cylinders reduces the access
significantly as head movement ({seeking}) is slow compared to
disk rotation and switching between heads.
(1997-07-15)