Pedal
Pedal (pē"dal in def 1; 277) , adjective
[Latin pedalis, from pes, pedis, foot. See Foot, and compare Pew.]
1.
(Zoology) Of or pertaining to the foot, or to feet, literally or figuratively; specifically (Zoology), pertaining to the foot of a mollusk; as, the pedal ganglion.
2.
Of or pertaining to a pedal; having pedals.
Collocations (3)
Pedal curve or Pedal surface (Geometry) , 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 (Music) , the note which is held or sustained through an organ point. See Organ point, under Organ.
Pedal organ (Music) , 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.
Pedal (ped"al) , noun
[Compare French pédale, Italian pedale. See Pedal, a.]
1.
(Mechanics) 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.
(Geometry) A pedal curve or surface.