dial

di•al

[[t]ˈdaɪ əl, daɪl[/t]] n. v. di•aled, di•al•ing (esp. brit.)di•alled, di•al•ling.

1) hor a plate or disk on a clock, watch, or sundial, containing graduated markings or figures, upon which the time of day is indicated by hands, pointers, or shadows

2) wam a plate or disk with markings or figures for indicating or registering some measurement or number, usu. by means of a pointer

3) tgp a rotatable plate, disk, or knob used for regulating a mechanism, making and breaking electrical connections, or the like, esp. one that tunes a radio or television

4) rtv

a) rotary dial

b) a set of numbered and lettered push buttons on a telephone that perform the function of a rotary dial

5) sbz radio or television broadcasting:

a new personality on the morning dial[/ex]

6) to indicate or register on or as if on a dial

7) to measure with or as if with a dial

8) to regulate or select by means of a dial

9) tgp to make a telephone call to

10) tgp to dial a telephone

11) to tune in or regulate by means of a dial

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Etymology: 1400–50; late ME: sundial, presumably < ML diālis daily (L di(ēs) day +-ālis -al I)