noun / verb
pedal
PED-ul/ˈpedl/
A foot-operated lever used to power or control a mechanism.
The bicycle pedal has a broad tread beside the crank.
Etymology
The pieces mean 'relating to the foot,' which became a name for something worked by the foot. English first used it for an organ lever, then extended it to foot-powered controls on other machines.
In context
there's the brake pedal the Draiman pushes that pedal with his foot and the brake block presses hard against the wheel
More examples
- She pedaled up the hill.
- He is pedaling steadily.
- Both pedals turned.
Forms
pedal · pedals · pedaled · pedaling
Similar words
- lever
- Any pivoting control, not necessarily foot-operated.
- treadle
- A foot lever typically moved repeatedly to drive machinery.