What is the total distance moved by the piston known as?

The total distance moved by the piston is referred to as the stroke. In engine terminology, the stroke specifically describes the linear distance that the piston travels from the top dead center (TDC) to the bottom dead center (BDC) during its cycle. This measurement is crucial because it directly influences the engine's displacement and overall performance characteristics.

Stroke is a well-established term in the context of internal combustion engines, and understanding it is essential for anyone studying small motors. Other terms like travel, displacement, and movement may be used in different contexts, but in reference to pistons in engines, stroke is the precise terminology that encapsulates the total distance traveled by the piston.