v.
Pronunciation: ( ˌ )r ē - ' s ī -k ə l
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1926
1 : to pass again through a series of changes or treatments: as a : to process (as liquid body waste, glass, or cans) in order to regain material for human use b : RECOVER 6 c : to reuse or make (a substance) available for reuse for biological activities through natural processes of biochemical degradation or modification <green plants recycling the residue of forest fires> < recycle ADP back to ATP>
2 : to adapt to a new use : ALTER
3 : to bring back : REUSE < recycle s a number of good anecdotes ― Larry McMurtry>
4 : to make ready for reuse <a plan to recycle vacant tenements>
intransitive verb
1 : to return to an earlier point in a countdown
2 : to return to an original condition so that operation can begin again ― used of an electronic device
– re · cy · cla · bil · i · ty \ - ˌ s ī -k( ə -)l ə - ' bi-l ə -t ē \ noun
– re · cy · cla · ble \ - ' s ī -k( ə -)l ə -b ə l \ adjective or noun
– re · cy · cler \ -k( ə -)l ə r \ noun