Dialing

di·al  (dl, 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.

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[Middle English, sundial, clock, from Old French dyal, from Medieval Latin dile, from neuter of dilis, daily, from Latin dis, day; see dyeu- in Indo-European roots.]

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dial·er n.