bicycle
UK[ˈbaɪsɪkl]US[ˈbaɪsɪkl]
n
a vehicle with two wheels that you ride by pushing its pedals with your feet.
Morpheme Breakdown
bi
cycle
bi
two
cycle
circle, wheel
Etymology
the word bicycle is a modern formation, coined in the 19th century from two classical roots. the prefix 'bi-', derived from latin 'bis' (twice), directly indicates the number two. the base 'cycle' originates from greek 'kyklos', which meant a circle, ring, or wheel. when combined, the literal meaning is "two wheels," a perfectly logical description for the vehicle's defining feature. this hybrid latin-greek construction exemplifies the scientific and technical word-building common in the modern era, where ancient roots are repurposed to name new inventions.
Analysis
Structure: bi (two) + cycle (circle, wheel)
bi is a prefix from latin 'bis', meaning 'twice' or 'two'. cycle is from greek 'kyklos', meaning 'circle' or 'wheel', and functions as the base noun.
Examples
she learned to ride a bicycle when she was five years old.
he uses his bicycle to commute to work every day.
the city has installed new racks for parking bicycles.