Dictionary Definition
tandem n : a bicycle with two sets of pedals and
two seats [syn: bicycle-built-for-two,
tandem
bicycle] adv : one behind the other; "ride tandem on a bicycle
built for two"; "riding horses down the path in tandem"
User Contributed Dictionary
Noun
- A bicycle with two
seats, two sets of pedals, and two wheels; a bicycle-built-for-two.
- we used to ride this tandem
- An arrangement of two or more objects arranged one behind the
other.
- driving cars in tandem
Synonyms
Derived terms
Translations
a bicycle
- Finnish: tandem, tandempyörä
an arrangement
- Finnish: tandem
Adjective
Translations
one behind the other
together; working as one
- Finnish: yhteistyössä, yhdessä
Extensive Definition
Tandem is a Latin
adverb meaning "at
length" or "finally". In English, the term was originally used for
two or more draft horses
harnessed one behind another as opposed to side-by-side. By
extension the term now refers to any team (of machines, animals or
people) working together one behind another.
In English, tandem is often used as an adjective
in "tandem seating", as in a two-seat aircraft where the two
occupants sit one behind the other, or in "tandem
bicycle", where the riders are seated similarly. Tandem is also
used as a term for the wheels on a semi trailer to balance the
weight of a load of freight. In the real estate
world it describes items such as parking
in lengthwise two-or-more-car garages,
and in telephony, a Class
4 telephone switch which connects other switches.
"Tandem" can be used more vaguely to refer to any
group of persons or objects working together, not necessarily in
line. "In tandem", for example, in politics and business to
describe joint plans and ventures. A tandem may also refer to
Tandem
language learning, a language learning method in which two
partners of different mother tongues each help the other learn the
foreign language.
tandem in French: Tandem (hippomobile)
tandem in German: Tandem