radial Definition

radial
adj

1. Said of lines: spreading out from the centre of a circle, like rays.
2. Relating to rays, a radius or radii.
3. Along or in the direction of a radius or radii.
4. anatomy.
Relating to the radius.

noun

1. A radiating part.
2. Short for radial-ply tyre.
3. anatomy.
A radial artery or nerve.

Derivative: radially
adverb

Etymology: 16c: from Latin radialis, from radius.

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radius
noun radii, radiuses

1a. geom.
A straight line running from the centre to any point on the circumference of a circle or the surface of a sphere;
1b. geom.
The length of such a line.
2. A radiating line.
3. Anything placed like a radius, such as the spoke of a wheel.
4. A usually specified distance from a central point, thought of as limiting an area.

Example: all the houses within a radius of 10km
5a. anatomy.
The shorter of the two bones in the human forearm, on the thumb side;
5b. anatomy.
The equivalent bone in other animals. Compare ulna.

Derivative: radial

See separate entry.

Etymology: 16c: Latin, meaning a ‘rod, spoke or ray'.