# dial

> flat surface with numbers or other markings used for displaying a reading

**Wikidata**: [Q4151234](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4151234)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dial_(measurement))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dial

## Summary
A dial is a flat surface with numbers or markings used to display readings, commonly found in devices like telephones, clocks, and measurement instruments. It serves as a visual output device for presenting information in a structured format.

## Key Facts
- A dial is a subclass of a display device, specifically designed for visual representation of data.
- It is commonly used in telephones as the telephone dial for entering phone numbers.
- Dials are part of non-digital clocks, known as clock faces, to display the time.
- The term "Zeigerinstrument" is an alias for dial in some contexts.
- The Wikidata identifier for dial is Q64139102, with a reference from July 9, 2020.
- The Freebase ID for dial is /m/07gnmr.
- The Wikipedia title for dial is "Dial (measurement)."
- The Commons category for dials is "Dials (measurement)."
- The Wikipedia article on dial is available in Arabic, English, and Indonesian.
- The Microsoft Academic ID for dial (discontinued) is 2779710594.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary function of a dial?
A: A dial is primarily used to display readings or information visually, often in the form of numbers or markings on a flat surface.

### Q: Where are dials commonly found?
A: Dials are commonly found in telephones (as telephone dials), clocks (as clock faces), and various measurement instruments.

### Q: What is the difference between a dial and a digital display?
A: A dial is an analog display device that uses a physical surface with markings, while a digital display uses electronic signals to present information.

### Q: What is the term "Zeigerinstrument" related to dials?
A: "Zeigerinstrument" is an alias for dial, referring to a measuring instrument that uses pointers to indicate readings.

### Q: How is a dial classified in Wikidata?
A: In Wikidata, a dial is classified as a subclass of a display device, with the identifier Q64139102.

## Why It Matters
The dial plays a crucial role in the history of measurement and display technology. As a fundamental component of analog instruments, it has been essential in various fields, including telecommunications, timekeeping, and industrial measurements. The dial's simplicity and effectiveness in presenting information have made it a staple in devices where visual clarity and ease of use are paramount. Its design has evolved over time to meet specific functional requirements, ensuring its continued relevance in both traditional and modern applications. The dial's ability to provide quick and intuitive readings has solidified its place as a key element in the development of measurement and display technologies.

## Notable For
- Serving as the primary input mechanism in early telephones, allowing users to dial numbers manually.
- Being a defining feature of non-digital clocks, providing an analog representation of time.
- Having a straightforward design that makes it easy to read and interpret measurements.
- Being a key component in various measurement instruments, contributing to accurate data representation.
- Maintaining a timeless aesthetic that remains functional across different technological eras.

## Body
### Definition and Classification
A dial is a flat surface with numbers or markings used for displaying readings. It is classified as a display device, specifically a subclass of output devices that present information visually. The term "Zeigerinstrument" is an alternative name for dial in some contexts.

### Common Applications
Dials are commonly used in telephones as telephone dials for entering phone numbers. They are also part of non-digital clocks, known as clock faces, to display the time. Additionally, dials are found in various measurement instruments where visual representation of data is required.

### Identification and References
The dial is identified in Wikidata with the identifier Q64139102, referenced from July 9, 2020. Its Freebase ID is /m/07gnmr. The Wikipedia title for dial is "Dial (measurement)," and the Commons category for dials is "Dials (measurement)." The Wikipedia article is available in Arabic, English, and Indonesian.

### Historical and Technical Context
The dial's design has been refined over time to meet the needs of different applications. Its simplicity and effectiveness in presenting information have made it a reliable choice for both analog and digital systems. The Microsoft Academic ID for dial (discontinued) is 2779710594, indicating its historical significance in academic and technical literature.

## References

1. KBpedia
2. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)