dial

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Translations 1.4 Verb 1.4.1 Usage notes 1.4.2 Derived terms 1.5 Anagrams

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

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.

[edit] Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -aɪəl

[edit] Noun

dial (plural dials)

1. A graduated, circular scale over which a needle moves to show a measurement (such as speed).
2. A clock face.
3. A sundial.
4. A panel on a radio etc showing wavelengths or channels; a knob that is turned to change the wavelength etc.
5. A disk with finger holes on a telephone; used to select the number to be called.

[edit] Translations

[edit] Verb

to dial (third-person singular simple present dials, present participle dialing or dialling, simple past and past participle dialed or dialled)

1. (transitive) To measure or indicate something with a dial.
2. (transitive) To control or select something with a dial
3. (transitive) To select a number, or to call someone, on a telephone.
4. (intransitive) To use a dial or a telephone.

[edit] Usage notes

• Dialing and dialed are more common in the US. Dialling and dialled are more common in the UK.

[edit] Derived terms

• dial-in
• dial in
• dial-up
• dialer (US)
• dial tone

[edit] Anagrams

• Alphagram: adil
• Dail
• laid