Dictionary
1recycle
verb re·cy·cle \(ˌ)rē-ˈsī-kəl\
: to make something new from (something that has been used before)
: to send (used newspapers, bottles, cans, etc.) to a place where they are made into something new
: to use (something) again
Full Definition of RECYCLE
transitive verb
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 <recycles 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 \-ˌsī-k(ə-)lə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— re·cy·cla·ble \-ˈsī-k(ə-)lə-bəl\ adjective or noun
— re·cy·cler \-k(ə-)lər\ noun
See recycle defined for English-language learners
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First Known Use of RECYCLE
1925
Other Biology Terms
Rhymes with RECYCLE
2recycle
noun
RECYCLE Defined for Kids
recycle
verb re·cy·cle \ˌrē-ˈsī-kəl\
re·cy·cledre·cy·cling
Definition of RECYCLE for Kids
: to process (as paper, glass, or cans) in order to regain or reuse materials
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