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derailleur
noun
de·rail·leur
di-ˈrā-lər
: a mechanism for shifting gears on a bicycle that operates by moving the chain from one set of exposed gears to another
Examples of derailleur in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Its 1 x 12-speed drivetrain combines a Shimano XT derailleur and shifter with an SLX chain and cassette.
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 8 Oct. 2024
For five years, Rivendell has been working on manufacturing its own derailleur.
—Anna Wiener, The New Yorker, 16 Sep. 2024
So far on the Divide I’d been chased by dogs, climbed a tree to get away from a territorial bull, and shattered my derailleur a week into the route.
—Maggie Slepian, Longreads, 15 Aug. 2024
Think of it somewhat like a bicycle’s derailleur gears, only lightning-quick.
—Sean Evans, Robb Report, 28 June 2024
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Word History
Etymology
French dérailleur, from dérailler
First Known Use
1930, in the meaning defined above
Articles Related to derailleur
Dictionary Entries Near derailleur
Cite this Entry
“Derailleur.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derailleur. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
derailleur
noun
de·rail·leur
di-ˈrā-lər
: a device for shifting gears on a bicycle that operates by moving the chain from one set of exposed gears to another
Etymology
from French dérailleur "gear changing device," from dérailler "to derail"
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