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di·al

dial

 
 
pronunciation:
daI l
parts of speech:
noun, transitive verb, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (noun, 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.
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!
 
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part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: dials, dialing, dialed
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 turning a dial, pressing buttons, or tapping a screen.
If there is a real emergency, dial 911.I was trying to call Susan, but I dialed my mother's number by mistake.
 
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition: to select desired numbers on a telephone in order to make a call.
I'm sure I dialed correctly, but I still got the wrong number.
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derivation: dialer (n.)