GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Pedal (pēˈdal in def 1; 277), a. [L. pedalis, fr. pes, pedis, foot. See Foot, and cf. Pew.]
   1. Of or pertaining to the foot, or to feet, literally or figuratively; specifically (Zool.), pertaining to the foot of a mollusk; as, “the pedal ganglion”.
   
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   2. (pĕdˈal) Of or pertaining to a pedal; having pedals.
   
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   Pedal curve or Pedal surface (Geom.), the curve or surface which is the locus of the feet of perpendiculars let fall from a fixed point upon the straight lines tangent to a given curve, or upon the planes tangent to a given surface. -- Pedal note (Mus.), the note which is held or sustained through an organ point. See Organ point, under Organ. -- Pedal organ (Mus.), an organ which has pedals or a range of keys moved by the feet; that portion of a full organ which is played with the feet.
   
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2.       
   Pedal (pĕdˈal), n. [Cf. F. pédale, It. pedale. See Pedal, a.]
   1. (Mech.) A lever or key acted on by the foot, as in the pianoforte to raise the dampers, or in the organ to open and close certain pipes; a treadle, as in a lathe or a bicycle.
   
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   2. (Geom.) A pedal curve or surface.
   
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