Definition

Noun: * An early bicycle with a very large front wheel and a small back wheel: This term refers specifically to a historic design of bicycle, popular in the late 19th century, characterized by its dramatically disproportionate wheel sizes. It is also commonly known as a "penny-farthing."

Usage

The term "ordinary bicycle" is used historically to describe and distinguish this specific, iconic design from modern safety bicycles. It is a formal or technical term. * The museum has a collection of Victorian-era transportation, including an ordinary bicycle. * Before the invention of the chain drive, the ordinary bicycle was a popular, though dangerous, mode of transport.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: The phrase is often used in discussions about the evolution of technology and transportation. It highlights a specific stage in bicycle development.
  • The ordinary bicycle was eventually replaced by the "safety bicycle," which had two equal-sized wheels and a chain drive.

Variants and Related Words

• Penny-farthing (n): The more common colloquial name for an ordinary bicycle, derived from the British penny and farthing coins, which were of similarly disproportionate sizes.
  • He rode a penny-farthing in the historical parade.
• High-wheeler (n): Another synonym emphasizing the large front wheel.
• Safety bicycle (n): The subsequent design that made the ordinary bicycle obsolete, featuring two wheels of the same size and a chain-driven rear wheel.

Synonyms

• Penny-farthing
• High-wheeler
• Velocipede (though this term can also refer to earlier pedal-less models)

Antonyms

• Safety bicycle
• Modern bicycle

Related Phrases/Idioms

• To take a header: This idiom originated from the danger of riding an ordinary bicycle, where hitting a small obstacle could cause the rider to be pitched head-first over the large front wheel.
  • The road was rough, and he was afraid he would take a header from his ordinary bicycle.

Noun

1. an early bicycle with a very large front wheel and small back wheel