Admire your attempted pedantry but the words are almost interchangeable - see definition 6. re?cy?cle /riˈsaɪkəl/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ree-sahy-kuhl] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation 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.