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Added 10 October 2026

pedal

/ˈpɛdəl/ noun

In Latin: insilia Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about pedal at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A lever operated by one's foot that is used to control or power a machine or mechanism, such as a bicycle or piano.
There are three pedals on manual cars, two on automatics.
an orthopedic structure or a footlike part.
An effects unit, especially one designed to be activated by being stepped on.

verb

To operate a pedal attached to a wheel in a continuous circular motion.
to pedal one's loom
To operate a bicycle.
He was out of breath from pedalling up the steep hill.

adjective

Of or relating to the foot.

Origin

Borrowed from French pédale, itself borrowed from Italian pedale, from Latin pedālis. By surface analysis, ped- + -al.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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