The theory of wave propagation in an inhomogeneous compressible plasma is considered. Cylindri cal confi gurations a re chosen s uch that Maxwell 's equations, when combin ed \\'ith a (s in gle fluid ) continuum t heory of Liuid dynamics, arc sep arable. It is shown that ge neral ex press ions for t he fi elds arc s uperposit ions of TM (transverse mag netic), TE (tr ansverse electric), a nd aco ustic waves. For obli que incidence, t hese t hree wave types a re mutually coupled excep t in sp ecial cases.