cycle

¹cy·cle

noun \ˈsī-kəl\

Definition of CYCLE

1

: an interval of time during which a sequence of a recurring succession of events or phenomena is completed <a 4-year cycle of growth and development>

2

a : a course or series of events or operations that recur regularly and usually lead back to the starting point b : one complete performance of a vibration, electric oscillation, current alternation, or other periodic process c : a permutation of a set of ordered elements in which each element takes the place of the next and the last becomes first d : a takeoff and landing of an airplane

3

: a circular or spiral arrangement: as a : an imaginary circle or orbit in the heavens b : ring 10

4

: a long period of time : age

5

a : a group of creative works (as poems, plays, or songs) treating the same theme b : a series of narratives dealing typically with the exploits of a legendary hero

6

a : bicycle b : tricycle c : motorcycle

7

: the series of a single, double, triple, and home run hit in any order by one player during one baseball game

Examples of CYCLE

1. We have to wait for the dishwasher's wash and dry cycles to end.
2. the spin cycle on a washing machine
3. He rode his cycle into town.

Origin of CYCLE

Middle English cicle, from Late Latin cyclus, from Greek kyklos circle, wheel, cycle — more at wheel

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CYCLE

Synonyms: circle, merry-go-round, round, wheel, zodiac

Related Words: pattern, syndrome; course, development, progression, run; beat, circuit, loop, ring; rotation, revolution, turn, turnover; chain, sequence, series, string, succession, train

Near Antonyms: flash, instant, jiffy, minute, moment, second, shake, split second, trice, twinkle, twinkling, wink; microsecond, nanosecond

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Electrical Engineering Terms

feedback, fuse, incandescent, noise, resonance