I. ˈdī(-ə)l noun
Etymology: Middle English dyal, from Medieval Latin dialis clock wheel revolving daily, from Latin dies day — more at deity
Date: 15th century
1. : the face of a sundial
2. obsolete : timepiece
3. : the graduated face of a timepiece
4.
a. : a face upon which some measurement is registered usually by means of graduations and a pointer
the thermometer dial reads 70°F
b. : a device that may be operated to make electrical connections or to regulate the operation of a machine
a radio dial
a telephone dial
II. verb
( di·aled or di·alled ; di·al·ing or di·al·ling )
Date: 1653
transitive verb
1. : to measure with a dial
2.
a. : to manipulate a device (as a dial) so as to operate, regulate, or select
dial your favorite program
dial ed the wrong number
b. : call 1m(1)
dial ed the office
intransitive verb
1. : to manipulate a dial
2. : to make a telephone call or connection
• di·al·er noun
III. abbreviation
1. dialect
2. dialectical