Definition

Noun: A circular, rotating component on a telephone, used to enter a telephone number by turning it a fixed distance for each digit.

Usage

The telephone dial is the physical input mechanism on older telephones. To make a call, the user places a finger in the numbered hole corresponding to a digit, rotates the dial clockwise to a fixed stop, and then releases it, allowing the dial to return to its original position. This action generates electrical pulses that signal the number to the telephone exchange.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The old black phone had a heavy, rotary telephone dial.
  • She carefully turned the telephone dial to call her friend.

Advanced Usage

• "to dial a number": This verb phrase originates from the action of using the telephone dial. While now used for any method of entering numbers, it historically referred specifically to rotating the dial.
  • Even with a modern keypad, we still say we "dial" a phone number.

Variants and Related Words

• Dial (noun): A shortened, more common form for "telephone dial."
  • The number was worn off the center of the dial.
• Rotary dial (noun phrase): A synonym emphasizing the rotating mechanism.
  • Rotary dial phones are now considered vintage.
• Dial tone (noun phrase): The audible signal heard after picking up the handset, indicating the telephone line is ready for dialing.
• Dial phone (noun phrase): A telephone equipped with a dial.

Synonyms

• Rotary dial
• Number dial

Notes

The telephone dial is largely obsolete, having been replaced by push-button keypads and touchscreens. It remains a recognizable symbol of 20th-century telecommunications.

Noun

1. a disc on a telephone that is rotated a fixed distance for each number called