Etymology Map
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Pedal

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a foot-operated lever

Where does the word "pedal" come from? It comes from Latin pedalis, adopted directly into English (1610s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
pedalis
Latin · ancient
"of the foot"
from 'pes', foot
2
Stage 2 of 2
pedal
English · 1610s
"organ foot-key"
bicycle pedals date from the 1800s
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Read the full story

Pedal’s story begins in Latin: pedalis meant “of the foot.” From 'pes', foot. It reached English by 1610s as pedal. Bicycle pedals date from the 1800s. Today, pedal means a foot-operated lever.