Definition of 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.