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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
But after trying out ideas with simplified internal gear hubs and derailleurs, SRAM recommended the two-chain design and donated it to the bike charity.
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Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 4 Feb. 2025
Starting at the rear wheel, check the brake, tire, axle and derailleur, then move on to the saddle and seatpost, then the cranks, bottom bracket and pedals, then the cockpit and headset, and finally the front wheel and brake.
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Seb Stott, Outside Online, 27 Jan. 2025
The latter company is also responsible for the special-edition Super Record Wireless shifters, derailleurs and disc brakes, along with the Super Record crankset (with 48T and 32T chainrings), chain, and 10-29T 12-speed cassette.
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Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 29 Nov. 2024
Its 1 x 12-speed drivetrain combines a Shimano XT derailleur and shifter with an SLX chain and cassette.
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Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 8 Oct. 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 11 Feb. 2025.
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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