radial

Arranged in lines that spread out from, or meet at, one central point.

• The petals form a radial pattern.
• A starfish has radial symmetry.
• The wheel's radial spokes run straight out from the centre.

Similar words: radiating

Common phrases: radial symmetry, radial pattern, radial arrangement

Describing a tyre strengthened with cords running across it, at right angles to the direction of travel.

• The car has radial tyres.
• Radial construction helps the tyre keep its shape.
• Most drivers now use radial tyres rather than cross-ply ones.

Opposites: cross-ply

Common phrases: radial tyre, radial tire, radial construction

Related to a straight line from the centre of a circle or sphere to its edge.

• Measure the radial distance from the centre.
• The diagram shows the circle's radial dimensions.
• We calculated the radial length of each section.

Common phrases: radial distance, radial length, radial coordinate

Moving or acting directly towards or away from a central point.

• The particles show radial motion.
• We measured the star's radial velocity.
• A radial force pushes the ball towards the centre.

Opposites: tangential

Common phrases: radial velocity, radial motion, radial force

A tyre strengthened with cords running across it, at right angles to the direction of travel.

• The mechanic fitted a new radial.
• All four wheels have steel-belted radials.
• These radials should last longer than the old tyres.

Similar words: radial tyre, radial tire

Common phrases: steel belted radial, fit a radial, new radial

A part, such as a wheel spoke, that extends outwards from a central point.

• One radial connects the hub to the rim.
• The diagram marks each radial with a number.
• Several radials extend from the central ring.

Common phrases: a wheel radial, a single radial

A wire laid out from the base of a radio antenna to provide an electrical connection to earth.

• Lay each radial along the ground.
• The antenna needs several copper radials.
• We buried the radials around the base of the mast.

Similar words: ground wire

Common phrases: ground radial, antenna radial, buried radial