foot pedal
2
3.2
- noun
- /fʊt ˈpɛdəl/
:
pedal de pie
- I press the foot pedal, and the needle takes off—pumping so fast that it looks elongated.
- depress the foot pedal
- using the foot pedal
Examples
-
Almost all surgical systems are activated by a foot pedal.
Academic text (1995) -
I can still work the foot pedals.
-
A foot pedal is used to activate the device.
Academic text (2004) -
The filling was added by hand using a foot pedal-powered pump.
Blog text (30) -
A second, nonadjustable foot pedal allows for maximal heating to cut and seal tissue simultaneously.
Academic text (2008) -
To activate the scalpel, the surgeon presses a foot pedal and sets the controls at level 3 in variable mode.
Academic text (2004) -
The surgeon then activates the heating of the Nichrome wire by depressing an adjustable foot pedal.
Academic text (2008) -
To drive the sewing machine, she kept her foot on the foot pedal to control its speed.
-
The concert pianist skillfully used the foot pedal to sustain the notes during her performance.
-
He stepped on the foot pedal to activate the device, allowing it to start working smoothly.
Synonyms
91
1.8
A lever you press with your foot to control a machine like a car or bike
2
9.3
A lever operated by the foot that drives a machine like a sewing machine or loom
A device you move with your foot to control a machine
How Heavy-Duty
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun 'foot pedal' directly combines 'foot' (body part) with 'pedal' (a lever pressed by the foot), so the meaning 'a lever operated by the foot' is fully predictable from its constituents. This is a straightforward, compositional compound found across languages and registers, so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily infer the MWE meaning.
Etymology
Foot pedal comes from the simple image of a small lever called a pedal that you press with your foot to make a machine start, stop, or change speed. That's why it means 'a lever operated by the foot'.