A1 noun Neutral

radius

/ˈreɪ.di.əs/

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 5
1

The radius of this small circle is only two centimeters.

The distance from the middle of this small circle to its edge is two centimeters.

2

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.

3

I live within a short radius of the park.

I live very close to the park area.

Word Family

Noun
radius
Adverb
radially
Adjective
radial
Related
radii
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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

1

The radius of this small circle is only two centimeters.

everyday

The distance from the middle of this small circle to its edge is two centimeters.

2

The scientist measured the radius of the planet to determine its size.

formal

The researcher calculated the distance from the planet's center to its surface.

3

I live within a short radius of the park.

informal

I live very close to the park area.

4

In geometry, the radius is defined as half of the diameter.

academic

In mathematics, the radius is exactly one-half of the total width of the circle.

5

Our pizza shop offers free delivery within a five-mile radius.

business

Our store delivers for free to any location within five miles of our building.

Word Family

Noun
radius
Adverb
radially
Adjective
radial
Related
radii

Common Collocations

turning radius the space a vehicle needs to make a turn
small radius a short distance from the center
within a radius inside a specific circular area
search radius the area being looked at for something
atomic radius the size of an atom from its center

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

radius vs diameter

The diameter is the full length across a circle through the center, while the radius is only half that distance.

radius vs circumference

The circumference is the total distance around the outside of the circle, not the distance from the center.

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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.

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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

Countable noun Plural: radii or radiuses Often used with the preposition 'of'

Quick Quiz

If the diameter of a circle is 10cm, the ______ is 5cm.

Correct!

The correct answer is: radius

More science words

velocity

A1

Velocity describes how fast an object moves in a specific direction. It is a technical word for speed used often in science and math.

momentum

A1

Momentum is the power that a moving object has to keep moving. It depends on how heavy the object is and how fast it is going. It is also used to describe a plan or project that is growing and becoming more successful.

magnetism

A1

Magnetism is a physical force that pulls certain metals toward each other or pushes them away. It is also used to describe a special charm that attracts people to a person.

radiation

A1

Radiation is energy that travels through space as waves or very small particles. It comes from natural sources like the sun and from machines like X-rays in hospitals.

wavelength

A1

Wavelength is the distance between two peaks of a light or sound wave. It is also used to describe when people have the same ideas and understand each other.

optics

A1

Optics is the branch of science that studies light and how it interacts with things like lenses and mirrors. In modern usage, it also refers to how an event or action is seen by the public.

thermodynamics

A1

Thermodynamics is the study of heat and how it moves. It explains how energy changes from one form to another, such as how heat can turn into movement.

atom

A1

An atom is the smallest possible part of a chemical element. Everything in the world is made of millions of these very tiny particles.

reaction

A1

A reaction is a response to an action or a situation. In science, it is what happens when two or more substances are mixed together to create a change.

solution

A1

A solution is a liquid mixture where a solid or gas is fully mixed into a liquid. It also means the correct answer to a problem or a difficult puzzle.

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