dial
UK: ˈdaɪəl | US: ˈdaɪəl
n. 1. A circular plate or face with markings to indicate measurements (e.g., time, speed).
n. 2. A control on a device (e.g., radio, oven) used to adjust settings.
vt. 1. To select or input a number on a telephone by turning a dial or pressing buttons.
dial = dia<day> + al<noun suffix>
- dia<day>: From Latin dies (day), referencing the sundial’s original function of measuring daylight hours.
- al<noun suffix>: A suffix forming nouns, often indicating association or function.
Etymology Origin:
The word "dial" traces back to the Latin dialis ("daily"), linked to dies (day). Early sundials measured time by the sun’s shadow, hence the connection to "day." Over time, "dial" expanded to include any circular measuring device (e.g., clock faces, radio tuners) and later became a verb for telephone input.
The antique clock had a beautifully engraved dial.
Turn the dial clockwise to increase the volume.
She dialed the wrong number by mistake.
The oven’s temperature dial was broken.
Modern smartphones no longer have physical dials.