pedal

ped-al · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A lever operated by the foot, used to control a mechanism or vehicle.

  2. 2.

    A foot-operated lever on a musical instrument, especially a piano or organ.

Forms

plural: pedals

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    put the pedal to the metal — to accelerate a vehicle as fast as possible
  • •
    pedal to the floor — to press an accelerator pedal all the way down
  • •
    soft pedal — to downplay or minimize something

Related words

See also: accelerator, bicycle, brake, foot
Synonyms: lever, treadle

Etymology

From Latin pedalis ("of the foot"), from pes, pedis ("foot"). The word entered English in the 17th century.