ped·al (pĕd'l)
n.

1. 1. A foot-operated lever used for actuating or controlling a mechanism, as in a loom, sewing machine, piano, or organ.
   2. A similar foot-operated part attached to a crank and used for powering various devices, such as a bicycle.
2. Music.
   1. A pedal point.
   2. A pedal keyboard.

adj.

1. Of or relating to a pedal.
2. (also pēd'l) Of or relating to a foot or footlike part: the pedal extremities.

v., -aled, or -alled, -al·ing, or -al·ling, -als, or -als.

v.intr.

1. To use or operate a pedal or pedals.
2. To ride a bicycle.

v.tr.
To operate the pedals of.

[French pédale, from Italian pedale, from Latin pedālis, one foot long, from pēs, ped-, foot.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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