ra|di|al

ra|di|al «RAY dee uhl», adjective, noun.

–adj.

1. of or like radii or rays.

2. arranged like or in radii or rays: »

At a little distance from the center the wind is probably nearly radial (Science).

3. of the radius of a circle: »

... the placing of a large fraction of the total mass at the radial distance assigned to the phosphorus atoms (A. W. Haslett).

4. of or near the radius (a bone of the forearm): »

a radial nerve; ... palpating the radial pulse at the wrist (Time).

5. of or having to do with the arm of a starfish or other echinoderm.

–n.

1. = radial-ply tire. (Cf. ↑radial-ply tire)

2. Biology. a radial nerve, artery, or organ.

3. Aeronautics. any one of the lines of position radiating from a radio navigation facility, such as an omnirange or VOR.

4. = radial engine. (Cf. ↑radial engine)

–ra´di|al|ly, adverb.