A solid of revolution is a three-dimensional shape created by rotating a two-dimensional shape around an axis. This process generates various geometric forms, such as cylinders, cones, and spheres. The axis of rotation can be one of the shape's edges or a line outside the shape, influencing the final solid's dimensions. Common examples of solids of revolution include the cylinder, formed by rotating a rectangle, and the sphere, created by rotating a semicircle. These shapes are important in fields like mathematics, engineering, and physics, where they help in calculating volumes and surface areas for various applications.