What process involves creating a 3D solid or surface by revolving a 2D shape around an axis?

The process of creating a 3D solid or surface by revolving a 2D shape around an axis is known as revolution. This technique is often used in various fields of design and engineering, particularly in computer-aided design (CAD). When a 2D profile is rotated around a specific axis, it generates a three-dimensional object. For instance, if you have a circle and you revolve it around its diameter, you create a sphere.

This concept is fundamental in understanding how shapes and forms are transformed in three-dimensional design, enabling designers to visualize and create complex geometries efficiently. It plays an essential role in tasks such as product design, mechanical engineering, and architectural modeling, where precise 3D representations are vital.

The other terms, while related to geometry and design, do not pertain specifically to the described process of generating a three-dimensional shape through revolution.