rad·i·cal
ˈra-di-kəl
1
: of, relating to, or proceeding from a root: such as
a(1)
: of or growing from the root of a plant
radical tubers
(2)
: growing from the base of a stem, from a rootlike stem, or from a stem that does not rise above the ground
radical leaves
b
: of, relating to, or constituting a linguistic root
c
: of or relating to a mathematical root
d
: designed to remove the root of a disease or all diseased and potentially diseased tissue
radical surgery
radical mastectomy
2
: of or relating to the origin : fundamental
3
a
: very different from the usual or traditional : extreme
b
: favoring extreme changes in existing views, habits, conditions, or institutions
c
: associated with political views, practices, and policies of extreme change
d
: advocating extreme measures to retain or restore a political state of affairs
the radical right
radicalness
noun
1
a
: a root part
b
: a basic principle : foundation
2
a
b
: a sound or letter belonging to a radical
3
: one who is radical
4
: free radical
also
: a group of atoms bonded together that is considered an entity in various kinds of reactions or as a subunit of a larger molecule
5
a
: a mathematical expression indicating a root by means of a radical sign
b
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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