radial

/ˈreɪdiəl/

/ˈreɪdiəl/

Other forms: radials

Radial things stick out from a center point or have to do with the radius of a circle. On a map, you can see that a traffic circle or roundabout consists of radial streets extending out from the center.

A radius is a line from the center of a circle to its edge, or circumference. The adjective radial describes anything that acts as a radius or resembles one — often something radial is literally a line sticking straight out from a center point. Radial tires are designed so that each individual rubber cord making up the tire's surface lies in a radial direction from the middle of the tire. In Latin, radius means "shaft" or "spoke of a wheel."

Definitions of radial

1. adjective

   relating to or near the radius
   “the radial aspect of the forearm”
2. adjective

   relating to or moving along or having the direction of a radius
   “radial velocity”
3. adjective

   arranged like rays or radii; radiating from a common center
   “radial symmetry”

   “many cities show a radial pattern of main highways”

   synonyms: radiate, stellate

   symmetric, symmetrical

   having similarity in size, shape, and relative position of corresponding parts
4. adjective

   issuing in rays from a common center; relating to rays of light
   “radial heat”
5. noun

   pneumatic tire that has radial-ply casing
   synonyms: radial tire, radial-ply tire

   type of:

   pneumatic tire, pneumatic tyre

   a tire made of reinforced rubber and filled with compressed air; used on motor vehicles and bicycles etc