radical
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1rad·i·cal
adjective \ˈra-di-kəl\Definition of RADICAL
1
: of, relating to, or proceeding from a root: as a (1) : of or growing from the root of a plant <radical tubers> (2) : growing from the base of a stem, from a rootlike stem, or from a stem that does not rise above the ground <radical leaves> b : of, relating to, or constituting a linguistic root c : of or relating to a mathematical root d : designed to remove the root of a disease or all diseased and potentially diseased tissue <radical surgery> <radical mastectomy>
2
: of or relating to the origin : fundamental
3
a : very different from the usual or traditional : extreme b : favoring extreme changes in existing views, habits, conditions, or institutions c : associated with political views, practices, and policies of extreme change d : advocating extreme measures to retain or restore a political state of affairs <the radical right>
See Examples of RADICAL
- The computer has introduced radical innovations.
- There are some radical differences between the two proposals.
- The new president has made some radical changes to the company.
- a radical wing of extremists
Origin of RADICAL
Middle English, from Late Latin radicalis, from Latin radic-, radix root — more at root
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to RADICAL
- Synonyms
- extremist, fanatic (or fanatical), rabid, extreme, revolutionary, revolutionist, ultra
2radical
nounDefinition of RADICAL
1
a : a root part b : a basic principle : foundation
2
a : root 6 b : a sound or letter belonging to a radical
3
: one who is radical
4
: free radical; also : a group of atoms bonded together that is considered an entity in various kinds of reactions or as a subunit of a larger molecule
5
a : a mathematical expression indicating a root by means of a radical sign b : radical sign
Examples of RADICAL
- He was a radical when he was young, but now he's much more moderate.
- <radicals staged large, violent protests in the hopes of toppling the government>
First Known Use of RADICAL
1641
Related to RADICAL
- Synonyms
- crazy, extremist, revolutionary, revolutionist
- Antonyms
- middle-of-the-roader, moderate
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All Words Near: radical
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All Words Near: radical
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