Definition of: dial

(dī′əl, dīl) noun
1. Any graduated circular plate or face, as of a watch, clock, gage, mariner's compass, or radio receiving set.
2. A plate bearing letters and numbers, used to make connections in an automatic telephone system.
3. A device for indicating time by means of the shadow of a gnomon or style thrown upon a graduated plate; a sundial.
4. A compass; especially, a miner's compass for underground surveying.
5. Obs. Any timepiece.
—v.t. & v.i. di·aled or di·alled, di·al·ing or di·al·ling
1. To measure or survey with a dial.
2. To turn or adjust a dial; indicate on a dial.
3. To call by means of a telephone.
4. To adjust a radio or television set to (a station, program, etc.). [<Med. L dialis daily <L dies day]
—di′al·er, di′al·ler noun
—di′al·ist, di′al·list noun