Radical
|rad-i-cal|
/ˈrædɪkəl/
(radical)
thoroughly
Etymology
'radical' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'radicalis', where 'radix' meant 'root'.
'radicalis' in Latin passed into Late Latin and then into English via Medieval Latin and Middle French forms; it eventually became the English word 'radical'.
Initially it meant 'of or pertaining to the root', but over time it evolved into meanings such as 'fundamental' and then to 'extreme' or 'thorough', with further specialized senses in chemistry and mathematics.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who advocates thorough or fundamental political or social reform; an extremist in political views.
The meeting attracted radicals who wanted major changes to the system.
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Noun 2
in chemistry, an atom, group, or molecule that has unpaired electrons and is highly reactive (a free radical).
Free radicals can damage cells and contribute to aging.
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Noun 3
a symbol (√) used in mathematics to denote a root; the radical sign or the root itself.
To solve the equation, take the radical of both sides.
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Adjective 1
relating to or affecting the root or origin of something; fundamental.
They proposed a radical redesign of the curriculum.
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Adjective 2
favoring or advocating extreme or thorough political or social change.
He holds radical views on economic policy.
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Adjective 3
informal: excellent, impressive (slang).
That surf move was totally radical!
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Adjective 4
in mathematics, involving the root of a number (as in 'radical expression').
Simplify the radical expression before solving.
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Last updated: 2025/09/21 00:34