Main Entry: ¹cy·cle

Pronunciation: \ˈsī-kəl\

Function: noun

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

Date: 14th century

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