radial

1 of 2

adjective

ra·​di·​al ˈrā-dē-əl How to pronounce radial (audio)
1
: arranged or having parts arranged like rays
2
a
: relating to, placed like, or moving along a radius
b
: characterized by divergence from a center
3
: of, relating to, or adjacent to a bodily radius
4
: developing uniformly around a central axis
radially adverb

radial

2 of 2

noun

1
a
: a radial part
b
: ray
2
: a body part (such as an artery) lying near or following the course of the radius
3
: a pneumatic tire in which the ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at approximately 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread

called also radial-ply tire, radial tire

Examples of radial in a Sentence

Adjective the radial form of a starfish
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
These are tiny flexible sacs of pigments that are connected to 15 to 25 radial muscle fibers, resembling the spokes of a wheel attached to the hub. Grrlscientist, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 Thoughtful use of natural materials throughout the suite, including rich woods (most notably the Sycamore used for radial marquetry panels), glass, travertine and richly veined Calacatta viola marble. Rima Suqi, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024
Noun
All-weather radials and fine dining have little in common, after all. Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN, 10 Feb. 2024 The top speed is governed at 130 mph and limited by the H rating of the Goodyear radials. Steven Cole Smith, Car and Driver, 2 Sep. 2023 See all Example Sentences for radial 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Medieval Latin radialis, from Latin radius ray

First Known Use

Adjective

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of radial was in 1570

Dictionary Entries Near radial

Cite this Entry

“Radial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radial. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

radial

1 of 2 adjective
ra·​di·​al ˈrād-ē-əl How to pronounce radial (audio)
1
: arranged or having parts arranged like rays around a common center
the radial form of a starfish
2
: relating to, placed like, or moving along a bodily radius (as the bone of the forearm)
radially adverb

radial

2 of 2 noun
1
: a radial part
2
: a tire in which the ply cords are at right angles to the centerline of the tread

called also radial tire

Medical Definition

radial

1 of 2 adjective
ra·​di·​al ˈrād-ē-əl How to pronounce radial (audio)
1
: arranged or having parts arranged like rays
2
: of, relating to, or situated near the radius or the thumb side of the hand or forearm
the radial aspect of the hand
3
: developing uniformly around a central axis
radial cleavage of an egg
radially adverb

radial

2 of 2 noun
: a body part (as an artery) lying near or following the course of the radius

More from Merriam-Webster on radial

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