01 n. An instrument, formerly much used for showing the time of day from the shadow of a style or gnomon on a graduated arc or surface; esp., a s…
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1.
An instrument, formerly much used for showing the time of day from the shadow of a style or gnomon on a graduated arc or surface; esp., a sundial; but there are lunar and astral dials. The style or gnomon is usually parallel to the earth's axis, but the dial plate may be either horizontal or vertical.
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2.
The graduated face of a timepiece, on which the time of day is shown by pointers or hands.
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3.
A miner's compass.
Phrases & compounds
Dial bird —
an Indian bird (Copsychus saularius), allied to the European robin. The name is also given to other related species.
Dial lock —
a lock provided with one or more plates having numbers or letters upon them. These plates must be adjusted in a certain determined way before the lock can be operated.
Dial plate —
the plane or disk of a dial or timepiece on which lines and figures for indicating the time are placed.