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di·al
 dial
- pronunciation:
- daI
 l
- parts of speech:
- noun, transitive verb, intransitive verb
| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition 1: |
a disk or plate, usu. with numbers and a pointer indicating gradations of a measure such as speed, pressure, or the like.
Besides the speedometer and tachometer, this car's dashboard had dials that I'd never seen before. |
| definition 2: |
the face of a clock or watch.
He sat watching the hands of the clock moving around the dial.The dial on my new watch lights up in the dark. |
| definition 3: |
the mechanism of a television or radio for tuning to different channels or wavelengths.
She quickly turned the dial as the radio station began playing a song she detested. |
| definition 4: |
a disk or plate that can be rotated, often by a knob, to regulate a mechanism or to make and break electrical connections.
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| definition 5: |
on some telephones, the disk with finger holes enabling the user to select particular numbers.
The plastic dial on this phone moves so slowly! |
| related words: |
hand, telltale |
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| part of speech: |
transitive verb |
| inflections: |
dialed, dialing, dials |
| definition 1: |
to select, regulate, or tune to by using a dial.
In the evenings, the family would dial their local radio station and listen to the news and comedy shows. |
| definition 2: |
to select numbers or other symbols on a telephone by using a dial or pressing buttons.
If there is a real emergency, dial 911.I was trying to call Susan, but I dialed my mother's number by mistake. |
| related words: |
call, tune, tune in |
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| part of speech: |
intransitive verb |
| definition: |
to operate a telephone dial.
I'm sure I dialed correctly, but I still got the wrong number. |
| related words: |
call |
| derivation: |
dialer (n.) |
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