radical

²radical

noun

Definition 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

1. He was a radical when he was young, but now he's much more moderate.
2. <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

Related Words: young Turk; leftist, lefty, red; progressive, reformer, reformist; anarch, anarchist, subversive; agitator, insurgent, insurrectionist, rebel; secessionist, separationist, separatist

Near Antonyms: conservative, fuddy-duddy, reactionary, rightist, standpatter, Tory, traditionalist

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