bicycle etymology

Etymology:

  • Bicycle is derived from the following elements:
    • Bi-: Latin prefix meaning "two"
    • Cycle: Latin word meaning "circle" or "wheel"

Meaning and Origin:

  • The term "bicycle" was first used in the 1860s to describe a two-wheeled, human-powered vehicle with pedals.
  • It replaced earlier terms such as "velocipede" (meaning "fast foot") and "hobby horse."
  • The first bicycle with pedals was invented by Pierre Lallement in 1862, but it was not widely adopted until the 1880s when the "safety bicycle" was developed.
  • The safety bicycle featured a large front wheel and a smaller rear wheel, making it more stable and easier to ride than earlier models.
  • The term "bicycle" has since become synonymous with any two-wheeled, pedal-operated vehicle.

bicycle relate terms

  • cycle

    Etymology The word cycle is derived from the Ancient Greek word κύκλος kyklos

  • pennyfarthing

    Etymology The word pennyfarthing is a portmanteau of two coins Penny A British co

  • penny

    Etymology The word penny originates from the Old English word penig which is deriv

  • farthing

    Etymology Middle English ferthyng ferthing Old English feorðing Old Saxon fiorðun

  • velocipede

    Etymology and Meaning Velocipede noun A two wheeled or four wheeled vehicle propelled

  • motorcycle

    Etymology The word motorcycle is a compound of two words Moto from Greek motós

  • pedal

    Etymology The word pedal comes from the Latin word pedalis which means of the foot

  • coast

    Etymology The word coast is derived from the Old French word coste meaning rib

  • component

    Etymology of component Latin componere meaning to put together Root con toget

  • trailer

    Etymology The word trailer originated from the Middle English word trailler meanin

  • training

    Etymology Old French trainaille trainer Late Latin trahinare Proto Indo European root

  • wheel

    Etymology Middle English whele from Old English hwēol Proto Germanic hwihwlą Prot

  • ordinary

    Etymology Ordinary comes from the Middle English word ordinarie which is derived fr

  • saddle

    Etymology Middle English sadel from Old English sadol sadul Proto West Germanic sa