DEFINITION
DIAL:
• (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 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.
• (n.) The graduated face of a timepiece, on which the time of day
is shown by pointers or hands.
• (n.) A miner's compass.
• (v. t.) To measure with a dial.
• (v. t.) To survey with a dial.