radical

Main Entry:: ¹rad·i·cal
Pronunciation:: \ˈra-di-kəl\
Function:: adjective
Etymology:: Middle English, from Late Latin radicalis, from Latin radic-, radix root — more at root
Date:: 14th century

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 : fundamental3 a: marked by a considerable departure from the usual or traditional : extreme b: tending or disposed to make extreme changes in existing views, habits, conditions, or institutions c: of, relating to, or constituting a political group associated with views, practices, and policies of extreme change d: advocating extreme measures to retain or restore a political state of affairs <the radical right>4slang : excellent , cool

— rad·i·cal·ness noun

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