recycle
UK[ˌriːˈsaɪkl]US[ˌriːˈsaɪkl]
v
To process used materials so that they can be used again.
v
To use something again for the same or a different purpose.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
cycle
re
again
cycle
circle
Etymology
The word 'recycle' is a modern formation, combining the Latin prefix 're-' with the Greek-derived base 'cycle'. The core concept of 'cycle' originates from the Proto-Indo-European root kwel-, meaning "to revolve, move around," which evolved into the Greek 'kyklos' (circle, wheel). The literal meaning of 'recycle' is therefore "to cycle again" or "to put back into a cycle." This elegantly captures the modern abstract meaning of processing used materials, returning them to the beginning of a manufacturing cycle to be made into new products, thus closing the loop of resource use.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + cycle (circle)
re: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back".
cycle: From Greek 'kyklos' (circle, wheel), via Latin 'cyclus', functioning as the base meaning a circular process.
Examples
Please remember to recycle your plastic bottles and newspapers.
The company aims to recycle 90% of its industrial waste.
This idea recycles themes from the author's earlier work.