radius
A radius is a straight line from the center of a circle to its outer edge. It is also used to describe the distance from a center point in any direction to mark an area.
Examples
3 of 5The radius of this small circle is only two centimeters.
The distance from the middle of this small circle to its edge is two centimeters.
The scientist measured the radius of the planet to determine its size.
The researcher calculated the distance from the planet's center to its surface.
I live within a short radius of the park.
I live very close to the park area.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'radio' tower sending signals out in a perfect circle from the center point.
Quick Quiz
If the diameter of a circle is 10cm, the ______ is 5cm.
Correct!
The correct answer is: radius
Examples
The radius of this small circle is only two centimeters.
everydayThe distance from the middle of this small circle to its edge is two centimeters.
The scientist measured the radius of the planet to determine its size.
formalThe researcher calculated the distance from the planet's center to its surface.
I live within a short radius of the park.
informalI live very close to the park area.
In geometry, the radius is defined as half of the diameter.
academicIn mathematics, the radius is exactly one-half of the total width of the circle.
Our pizza shop offers free delivery within a five-mile radius.
businessOur store delivers for free to any location within five miles of our building.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
radius of action
the area where someone can be effective or travel
blast radius
the area affected by an explosion
within a ten-mile radius
anywhere inside a ten-mile distance from a point
Often Confused With
The diameter is the full length across a circle through the center, while the radius is only half that distance.
The circumference is the total distance around the outside of the circle, not the distance from the center.
Usage Notes
The word is most commonly used in math and science, but it is also frequently used in daily life to describe how far away things are from a central location.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget that the plural can be 'radii' (Latin style) or 'radiuses' (standard English), and they frequently confuse it with the diameter.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'radio' tower sending signals out in a perfect circle from the center point.
Word Origin
From the Latin word 'radius', which means a staff, a rod, or the spoke of a wheel.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
If the diameter of a circle is 10cm, the ______ is 5cm.
Correct!
The correct answer is: radius
Related Vocabulary
The study of numbers, quantities, shapes, and patterns. It i...
geometryGeometry is a branch of mathematics that studies shapes, siz...
diameterThe diameter is the length of a straight line that goes thro...
circumferenceThe circumference is the distance around the outside edge of...
sphereA sphere is a perfectly round three-dimensional object where...
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