What is "surface of revolution"

n. (context mathematics English) A surface formed when a given curve is revolved around a given axis. If the resulting surface is a closed one, it also defines a solid of revolution.

A surface of revolution is a surface in Euclidean space created by rotating a curve (the generatrix) around an axis of rotation.

Examples of surfaces of revolution generated by a straight line are cylindrical and conical surfaces depending on whether or not the line is parallel to the axis. A circle that is rotated about any diameter generates a sphere of which it is then a great circle, and if the circle is rotated about an axis that does not intersect the interior of a circle, then it generates a torus which does not intersect itself (a ring torus).