bike

Definition

Clipping of bicycle.

Etymology

Clipping of bicycle. First attested in 1882. One explanation for the form with /k/ is that bicycle was parsed to bi(cy)c(le). An alternative explanation is that it was parsed to bic(ycle) but since speakers are aware of a general /k/~/s/ alternation (as in electric ~ electricity etc.), the softened /s/ was restored to a default /k/ when the “ending” -ycle was dropped. A similar case is merc /mɜɹk/ for mercenary. It seems unlikely, however, that this process is purely phonological and not at least partially based on the spelling ⟨c⟩.

Example Sentences

• "It's called a gravel bike, and seems to combine the advantages of both road and mountain bikes – with a similar ability to lap up the miles on tarmac as a road bike, while still being very capable off-road."
• "Some of the bikes parked outside Granite Oaks Middle School are the Class Two e-bikes the district is banning."
• "He warmed up the engine; the bike hovered off the ground despite his weight and the extra equipment."

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