Definition

A device on a bicycle that changes the gears by moving the chain between different sized sprockets.

Example

The cyclist adjusted the derailleur to switch to a higher gear for climbing the hill.

Conversation

I need to adjust my bike's derailleur before the race this weekend.

Oh really? Is it giving you trouble?

Yeah, it keeps skipping gears when I shift.

You should check if it's aligned properly; that usually helps.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Derailleur** → The word originates from French *dérailleur*, which means 'to derail' or 'to throw off the track'. It is derived from the prefix "dé-" (meaning to remove or reverse) and "railler" (meaning to rail or to track). The term refers to a mechanism that shifts the chain of a bicycle off the track of the gears, thus 'removing' it from its intended path.

Memory Tip

Think of the prefix 'dé-' meaning to remove, and 'railler' which relates to tracks — this helps you remember that a derailleur is a device that removes the chain from its track.

Visually Confused Words