pedal

Etymology

Borrowed from French pédale, Latin pedālis.

noun

1. A lever operated by one's foot that is used to control or power a machine or mechanism, such as a bicycle or piano
   There are three pedals on manual cars, two on automatics.
   A piano usually has two or three pedals.
   the pedal of a loom
2. (medicine) an orthopedic structure or a footlike part.
3. (music) An effects unit, especially one designed to be activated by being stepped on.
4. (equestrianism, humorous) A stirrup.
5. (music) The ranks of pipes played from the pedal-board of an organ.
   A small organ commonly has only one or two ranks on the pedal.

verb

1. To operate a pedal attached to a wheel in a continuous circular motion.
   to pedal one's loom
2. To operate a bicycle.
   He was out of breath from pedalling up the steep hill.

adj

1. Of or relating to the foot.