recycle definition | Dictionary.com

re⋅cy⋅cle

[ree-sahy-kuh

verb, -cled, -cling, noun

–verb (used with object)

1.	to treat or process (used or waste materials) so as to make suitable for reuse: recycling paper to save trees.

2.	to alter or adapt for new use without changing the essential form or nature of: The old factory is being recycled as a theater.

3.	to use again in the original form or with minimal alteration: The governor recycled some speeches from his early days.

4.	to cause to pass through a cycle again: to recycle laundry through a washing machine.

–verb (used without object)

5.	to pass through a cycle again; repeat a process from the beginning.

6.	to undergo reuse or renewal; be subject to or suitable for further use, activity, etc.: The industry will recycle and become profitable once more.

–noun

7.	the act or process of recycling.

Origin:
1925–30; re- + cycle

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
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Language Translation for : recycle

Spanish:

reciclar,

German:

wiederverwerten,

Japanese:

再生する

View 30 other languages »

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re·cy·cle (rē-sī'kəl) Pronunciation Key
tr.v. re·cy·cled, re·cy·cling, re·cy·cles

To put or pass through a cycle again, as for further treatment.
To start a different cycle in.
1. To extract useful materials from (garbage or waste).
2. To extract and reuse (useful substances found in waste).
3. To use again, especially to reprocess: recycle aluminum cans; recycle old jokes.
4. To recondition and adapt to a new use or function: recycling old warehouses as condominiums.
1. To use again, especially to reprocess: recycle aluminum cans; recycle old jokes.
2. To recondition and adapt to a new use or function: recycling old warehouses as condominiums.

re·cy'cla·ble adj. & n., re·cy'cler n.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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