Pedal
Pronunciation : Pe"dal
Part of Speech : a.
Etymology : [L. pedalis, fr. pes, pedis, foot. See Foot, and cf. Pew.]
Definition : 1. Of or pertaining to the foot, or to feet, literally or figuratively; specifically (Zo?l.), pertaining to the foot of a mollusk; as, the pedal ganglion.
2. (
Defn: Of or pertaining to a pedal; having pedals. Pedal curve or 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.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
Pronunciation : Pe"dal
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [Cf. F. p?dale, It. pedale. See Pedal, a.]
Definition : 1. (Mech.)
Defn: 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.
2. (Geom.)
Defn: A pedal curve or surface.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913