pedal
noun
[ ˈpɛd(ə)l ]
• each of a pair of foot-operated levers used for powering a bicycle or other vehicle propelled by the legs.
• a foot-operated throttle, brake, or clutch control in a motor vehicle.
• "a brake pedal"
• each of a set of two or three levers on a piano, particularly (also sustaining pedal ) one which, when depressed, prevents the dampers from stopping the sound when the keys are released. The second is the soft pedal ; a third, if present, produces either selective sustaining or complete muffling of the tone.
pedal
verb
• move by working the pedals of a bicycle.
• "they pedalled along the canal towpath"
• use the pedals of a piano, organ, or other keyboard instrument, especially in a particular style.
• "the organist pedalled furiously, her feet travelling musical miles"
Origin:
early 17th century (denoting a foot-operated lever of an organ): from French pédale, from Italian pedale, from Latin pedalis ‘a foot in length’, from pes, ped- ‘foot’.
pedal
adjective
• relating to the foot or feet.
Origin:
early 17th century: from Latin pedalis, from pes, ped- ‘foot’.
