ra·di·us (rā'dē-əs)
 (click for larger image in new window) n.
pl. ra·di·i (-dē-ī') or ra·di·us·es
Abbr. r or rad. Mathematics A line segment that joins the center of a circle with any point on its circumference. A line segment that joins the center of a sphere with any point on its surface. A line segment that joins the center of a regular polygon with any of its vertices. The length of any such line segment. A long, prismatic, slightly curved bone, the shorter and thicker of the two forearm bones, located on the lateral side of the ulna. A similar bone in many vertebrates.
A circular area measured by a given radius: every family within a radius of 25 miles of the city center. A bounded range of effective activity or influence: the operating radius of a helicopter. A radial part or structure, such as a mechanically pivoted arm or the spoke of a wheel. Anatomy A long, prismatic, slightly curved bone, the shorter and thicker of the two forearm bones, located on the lateral side of the ulna. A similar bone in many vertebrates.
[Latin, ray, spoke of a wheel, radius.] |