Radical

/ˈræd.ɪ.kəl/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A person who advocates for fundamental or extreme political or social reform.
As a young radical, she fought for civil rights and justice.
A symbol (usually represented as a root sign) indicating the root of a number in mathematics.
To simplify the expression, he identified the radical as √16 which equals 4.
adjective
Relating to the fundamental or foundational nature of something; extreme or far-reaching.
The activists proposed radical changes to the education system to promote equality.
Characterized by a departure from tradition; innovative or progressive.
His radical approach to solving the city's transportation problems caught everyone's attention.
In chemistry, pertaining to a group of atoms behaving as a single unit.
The radical structure in the compound was essential for its reactivity.

Etymology

From Latin 'radicalis', meaning 'of or having roots'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

radical change:
A significant and transformative change.
radical idea:
An idea that deviates significantly from the norm.
radical movement:
A social or political movement advocating for substantial change.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

Awesome or excellent.
That concert was radical!
Cool or impressive.
Check out my new skateboard; it's radical!