Dial Definition
dīəl, dīl
dialed, dialing, dialled, dialling, dials
noun
dials
The face of a meter, gauge, compass, etc. on which a pointer or the like indicates an amount, degree, direction, etc.
Webster's New World
The face of a watch or clock.
Webster's New World
A sundial.
Webster's New World
An illuminated strip on a radio, marked with frequency numbers and equipped with a pointer, for indicating the station selected.
Webster's New World
A usually graduated disk or knob for controlling some function, as the selection of a TV channel or the temperature of an oven.
Webster's New World
verb
dialed, dialing, dials
To measure (something) with or as with a dial.
Webster's New World
To point to, indicate, or register by means of a dial.
American Heritage
To tune in (a radio station, television channel, program, etc.)
Webster's New World
To control or select by means of a dial.
Dial a radio station.
American Heritage
To call (a party) on a telephone.
American Heritage
abbreviation
Dialect(al)
Webster's New World
Dialectic(al)
Webster's New World
(grammar) Abbreviation of dialect.
Wiktionary
Origin of Dial
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Middle English sundial, clock from Old French dyal from Medieval Latin diāle from neuter of diālis daily from Latin diēs day dyeu- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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Its original meaning was 'sundial' and/or 'clock dial', from Latin diālis (“daily, concerning the day”), because of its use in telling the time of day.
From Wiktionary
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