radial

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   extending, moving, or arranged along radii from a central point

   The wheel's radial spokes carry force from the hub to the rim.

2. 2
   adj

   relating to the radius bone or the thumb side of the forearm

   The patient reported pain along the radial side of the wrist.

3. 3
   noun

   a radial tire or another object arranged in a radial pattern

   The car was fitted with steel-belted radials.

From Medieval Latin radialis, from Latin radius ("staff, spoke, ray") + -al. Its geometrical sense preserves the image of spokes running outward from a wheel's center.

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