Word
radial
Phoneticsra·di·al, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹeɪdiəɫ/
UK/ɹˈeɪdɪəl/
Definitions
01spreading from a center
C1 · Advanced Technical
adj. arranged in straight lines that come out from a center point, like the spokes on a bicycle wheel.
adj. arranged like rays that radiate from, or converge to, a common center point.
“The city was built with a radial pattern of streets leading to the main square.”
“The architect proposed a radial design for the new library, ensuring that all reading rooms were equidistant from the central circulation desk.”
Usage
Often used to describe urban planning or geometric patterns.
02anatomy/biology
C2 · Proficiency Science Technical
adj. relating to the radius bone in your arm or similar structures in plants and animals.
adj. relating to the radius bone of the forearm or exhibiting symmetry around a central axis in biological organisms.
“The doctor checked the patient's radial pulse at the wrist.”
“Starfish exhibit radial symmetry, with their body parts arranged around a central disk rather than having a left and right side.”
Usage
In medicine, it most frequently refers to the radial artery or nerve near the radius bone.
03tire construction
B2 · Upper Intermediate Technical
adj. a type of tire where the internal layers are arranged at a 90-degree angle to the direction of travel.
adj. relating to a pneumatic tire in which the ply cords are laid substantially at 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.
“Most modern cars use radial tires because they last longer and provide a smoother ride.”
“The transition from bias-ply to radial construction significantly improved vehicle fuel efficiency and cornering stability in the late twentieth century.”
Antonyms
04a radial tire
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a tire that has a radial design.
n. a pneumatic tire constructed with radial plies.
“He needed to buy a new set of radials before the winter started.”
“The mechanic recommended a high-performance radial for the sports car to ensure better grip on wet surfaces.”
Real-World Examples
“To build a web, orb-weaver spiders use strong silk that forms the frame and radial “spokes” of the web .” Etymology
From Medieval Latin radiālis (“radial”), from Latin radius. By surface analysis, radius + -al.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/radial