noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun

1. 1
   A vehicle somewhat like a moped, having a small motor where the pedals would be, and a petrol tank located within the frame.
2. 2
   A hybrid between motorcycle and automobile, with a drive system like a motorcycle and rider amenities like a car.
3. 3
   A cycle in rock formation whose major forces are contained within the formation, as contrasted with coming from outside the formation via tectonics, volcanism, climate change, or other outside forces.
4. 4
   A three-wheeled vehicle with an enclosed cabin, where passengers ride in seats instead of astride the body. US

Etymology

Etymology 1

From auto- (“self-propelled”) + cycle.

Etymology 2

Blend of automobile + motorcycle.

Etymology 3

From auto- (“self”) + cycle, coined by geologists.

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.