dial

¹di·al

noun \ˈdī(-ə)l\

Definition of DIAL

1

: the face of a sundial

2

obsolete : timepiece

3

: the graduated face of a timepiece

4

a : a face upon which some measurement is registered usually by means of graduations and a pointer <the thermometer dial reads 70°F> b : a device that may be operated to make electrical connections or to regulate the operation of a machine <a radio dial> <a telephone dial>

Examples of DIAL

1. the dial of a pressure gauge
2. I had to keep adjusting the radio dial to make the station come in clearly.

Origin of DIAL

Middle English dyal, from Medieval Latin dialis clock wheel revolving daily, from Latin dies day — more at deity

First Known Use: 15th century