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Intermediate Dictionary
       

bi·cy·cle

bicycle

 
 
pronunciation:
baI sih kl
parts of speech:
noun, verb
features:
Word History, Word Explorer, Word Parts
part of speech: noun
definition: a light vehicle with two wheels, one behind the other, a small seat, and handlebars for steering. Pedals make the wheels move.
 
synonyms:
bike, cycle
similar words:
moped, racer, tricycle
 
part of speech: verb
inflections: bicycles, bicycling, bicycled
definition: to ride on a bicycle.
synonyms:
bike, cycle
similar words:
coast, ride, roll
derivations: bicycler (n.), bicyclist (n.)
Word History
Bicycle is a word that was borrowed from the French in the mid-1800s. It was made up of a Latin word and a Greek word. Bi- is a Latin prefix that means "two." "Cycle" comes from kyklos, a Greek word that means "circle."
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