[di.al] n [ME dyal, fr. ML dialis clock wheel revolving daily, fr. L dies day--more at deity] (15c) 1: the face of a sundial
2. obs: timepiece
3: the graduated face of a timepiece
4. a: a face upon which some measurement is registered usu. by means of graduations and a pointer "the thermometer ~ reads 70 degrees F" b: a device that may be operated to make electrical connections or to regulate the operation of a machine "a radio ~" "a telephone ~"
[2]dial vb di.aled or di.alled ; di.al.ing or di.al.ling vt (1821) 1: to measure with a dial
2. a: to manipulate a device (as a dial) so as to operate, regulate, or select "~ your favorite program" "~ed the wrong number" b: call 1m(1) "~ed the office" ~ vi 1: to manipulate a dial
2: to make a telephone call or connection -- di.al.er n