moped
UK[ˈməʊ.ped]US[ˈmoʊ.ped]
n
a light, low-powered motorcycle, typically with pedals like a bicycle.
Morpheme Breakdown
motor
pedal
motor
pedal
Etymology
the word 'moped' is a modern english portmanteau, a blend of the swedish term 'trampcykel med motor och pedaler', meaning 'pedal cycle with motor and pedals'. it was condensed into the acronym 'moped' in swedish, which was then borrowed into english. the english word directly reflects its composite nature, combining 'motor' to indicate its engine power and 'pedal' to denote its bicycle-like foot-operated controls. this formation logically describes a hybrid vehicle that bridges the gap between a bicycle and a motorcycle.
Analysis
Structure: motor + pedal
motor (from latin motor, meaning 'mover', a thing that imparts motion); pedal (from latin pedalis, meaning 'of the foot', via french pédale).
Examples
he used his moped to deliver newspapers around the neighborhood.
in many european cities, mopeds are a common and convenient form of transport.
the law requires riders under 16 to wear a helmet when on a moped.