cycle
UK[ˈsaɪkl]US[ˈsaɪkl]
n
A series of events that are regularly repeated in the same order
n
A complete set or series, especially of movements in a machine or a recurring process
n
A bicycle or motorcycle
v
To ride a bicycle or motorcycle
v
To occur in or pass through a cycle
Morpheme Breakdown
cycl
e
cycl
circle
e
Etymology
The word 'cycle' entered English in the late 14th century via Old French 'cicle', from Late Latin 'cyclus', which itself was borrowed from the Greek 'kyklos', meaning 'circle, wheel, circular motion, cycle of events'. The Greek term can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root kwel-, meaning 'to revolve, move around'. This core concept of circular motion or revolution provides the logical link to all modern meanings, from a repeating sequence of events to the wheels of a bicycle. The silent 'e' is a historical artifact of its journey through French into Middle English.
Analysis
Structure: cycl (circle) + e
'cycl' originates from Greek 'kyklos', meaning 'circle' or 'wheel'. The final 'e' is a silent letter, often a marker of a preceding long vowel sound in English or a vestige of the word's path through Latin and French.
Examples
The seasons follow a predictable cycle each year.
She cycles to work every day to stay fit.
The washing machine is stuck in its spin cycle.