dial

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To enter a telephone number in order to call someone.

   In an emergency, dial 999.

2. 2
   noun

   A round scale with a moving needle that shows a measurement such as speed or temperature.

   The dial showed that the car was doing ninety miles an hour.

3. 3
   noun

   A knob or wheel that you turn to set or change something, such as a radio station.

   Turn the dial to find your favourite radio station.

4. 4
   verb

   To set or adjust something by turning a dial or control.

   He dialled the oven up to its highest setting.

The original meaning was 'sundial' and/or 'clock dial'; from Middle English diall, from Middle French dyal, from Latin diālis (“daily, concerning the day”), because of its use in telling the time of day, from Latin diēs (“day”). Compare Spanish dial and día (“day”).

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