pedal

Definition

A lever operated by one's foot that is used to control or power a machine or mechanism, such as a bicycle or piano.

Etymology

Borrowed from French pédale, Latin pedāl(is). By surface analysis, ped- + -al.

Example Sentences

• "There are three pedals on manual cars, two on automatics."
• "A piano usually has two or three pedals."
• "the pedal of a loom"