radial

Everyday

1. Spreading out from a centre, like the spokes of a wheel or the rays of the sun: «a radial pattern». tree →
2. (maths) To do with the radius of a circle. tree →
3. (science, body) To do with the radius bone in the forearm: «the radial artery», used to feel your pulse at the wrist. tree →
4. (noun) A radial tyre, a kind of car tyre; or a road leading out from a city centre. tree →

In the lessons

In maths it links to the radius and circles; in science and PE you find your radial pulse at the wrist; in nature, starfish and flowers have radial symmetry. Phrases: «radial symmetry», «radial pulse», «radial roads», «radial tyres».

Examples

• A starfish has radial symmetry, with arms spreading from the middle. tree →
• Find your radial pulse on the thumb side of your wrist. tree →
• The city's radial roads lead out like spokes. tree →
• A spider's web has radial threads and spiral threads. tree →
• Daisies show a radial pattern of petals. tree →
• The mechanic fitted four new radials to the car. tree →

Note

Related: radius (plural radii), radiate, radiation. Maths: the radius goes from the centre of a circle to its edge; the diameter is twice the radius. Radial symmetry means you can cut it in many ways through the centre and get matching parts.