di·al (d   l, dl)n. 1. A graduated surface or face on which a measurement, such as speed, is indicated by a moving needle or pointer. 2. a. The face of a clock. b. A sundial. 3. a. The panel or face on a radio or television receiver on which the frequencies or channels are indicated. b. A movable control knob or other device on a radio or television receiver used to change the frequency. 4. A rotatable disk on a telephone with numbers and letters, used to signal the number to which a call is made. v. di·aled or di·alled, di·al·ing or di·al·ling, di·als v.tr. 1. To measure with or as if with a dial. 2. To point to, indicate, or register by means of a dial. 3. To control or select by means of a dial: dial a radio station. 4. To call (a party) on a telephone. 5. To signal (a number) in making a telephone call: The program dials the number and then connects to the file server. v.intr. 1. To use a dial. 2. To use a telephone. [Middle English, sundial, clock, from Old French dyal, from Medieval Latin di  le, from neuter of dilis, daily, from Latin di s, day; see dyeu- in Indo-European roots.]di al·er n. |
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