Pedal

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The word pedal comes from the Latin (Pes, Pedis) and relates to the foot.

A pedal is a lever activated by one's foot. Examples include:

  • An automobile has usually three pedals. See automobile pedal.
  • Bicycle pedal: on a bicycle, each of two platforms at the end of the crankarms, connected such that while the crank arms rotate, the pedals can stay parallel to the shoe soles; this human powered rotation provides the propulsion, usually through a bicycle chain that makes the back wheel turn. In the case of a back pedalling brake, they are also used for applying the brake in the back wheel, again through the chain.
  • A pedalo is a small boat, usually used for recreational purposes, powered by pedals.
  • Most pianos have two or three piano pedals
  • Pipe and electronic organs have a pedalboard, which contains approximately one dozen to three dozen pedals that resemble the keyboards (or "manuals"); when one of these pedals is depressed, it causes a note (or group of notes) to sound.
  • Effects pedal used commonly for electric guitars
  • Tap pedal: this is a small electronic pedal, similar or identical to the ones used with synthesizers, but is connected to audio effects equipment, a music sequencer, or drum machine. The purpose is to tap the pedal in time with the music, which allows the sequencer or drum machine to stay "in-sync". When connected to audio effects, it can be used to "tap in" the length for a digital delay or flange, or to cause an effect loop to be bypassed.
  • Pedal tone: a nonchord tone, usually the tonic or dominant held for an extended period of time.
  • Pedal pumping is the sexual fetish of seeing women use pedals, usually in cars.

In Geometry:

  • a pedal triangle is obtained by projecting a point onto the sides of a triangle.
  • a pedal curve is a curve derived by construction from a given curve.
  • a pedal (Педал) in Bulgarian refers to homosexual male.

[edit] Pedal Toys