—n.
1 the face of a clock or watch, marked to show the hours etc.
2 a similar flat plate marked with a scale for measuring weight, volume, pressure, consumption, etc., indicated by a pointer.
3 a movable disc on a telephone, with finger-holes and numbers for making a connection.
4 a a plate or disc etc. on a radio or television set for selecting wavelength or channel. b a similar selecting device on other equipment, e.g. a washing machine.
5 Brit. sl. a person's face.
—v. (dialled, dialling; US dialed, dialing)
1 tr. (also absol.) select (a telephone number) by means of a dial or set of buttons (dialled 999).
2 tr. measure, indicate, or regulate by means of a dial.
Phrases and idioms:
dialling code a sequence of numbers dialled to connect a telephone with the exchange of the telephone being called. dialling tone (US dial tone) a sound indicating that a caller may start to dial.
Derivatives:
dialler n.
Etymology: ME, = sundial, f. med.L diale clock-dial ult. f. L dies day
Useful english dictionary. 2012.