C 钟（表）面；标度盘；拨号盘a circle with numbers or letters on it

　turn a ～　转拨号盘
　clock ～　钟面
　telephone ～　电话机拨号盘
　a ～ telephone　自动电话
　the ～ of a compass　罗盘面

　My watch has a luminous dial so I can see it in the dark.　我的表有个发光的表盘，因此在暗处也可以看见时间。
　The cabin of the aircraft was lined with panels full of mysterious dials.　飞机机舱里排着尽是各种神秘号码的仪表板。

　vt. & vi.打电话，拨电话号码 use a telephone dial to call a number or telephone service

　～ London direct　打直拨电话去伦敦
　～ the police　打电话给警察局
　～ directly　打直拨电话

　Do you often dial home?　你常给家里打电话吗?
　Dial 08254711 and you'll get in touch with him.　拨08254711，你就会和他取得联系。
　He dials his favorite station every morning.　他每天早晨拨他最爱收听的电台。
　He dialed the combination to open his locker.　他拨暗码打开他的锁柜。

　［词源］中古英语dialis（日晷）