| dialing code |
the British word for the set of digits at the beginning of a telephone number that represents a telephone district. "Dialing code" has a meaning similar to "area code." |
| dialog box |
a window that appears on a computer screen to ask for information from the person using the computer. |
| dialogue |
a talk between two or more people or between characters in a play, film, or novel. |
| dial tone |
the steady hum or buzzing sound in a telephone receiver showing that the line is open and a number may be dialed or entered. |
| diameter |
a straight line from one side of a circle or sphere to the other that passes through the center. [3 definitions] |
| diamond |
a clear mineral that is a crystal form of pure carbon. Diamonds are the hardest natural substance known. They are used in making jewelry and as tools for cutting hard materials. [5 definitions] |
| diaper |
a baby's underwear of soft cloth or paper folded between the legs and fastened at the waist. |
| diaphragm |
a wall of muscle that separates the chest and abdomen in humans and certain animals. [2 definitions] |
| diarrhea |
a condition marked by frequent and watery bowel movements. |
| diary |
a daily record of a person's experiences and thoughts. [2 definitions] |
| dice |
small cubes with dots on each side numbering one to six. Dice are often used in pairs for board games and games of chance. [2 definitions] |
| dictate |
to say or read aloud for someone to write down or for a machine to record. [3 definitions] |
| dictator |
a ruler who has total authority. |
| dictionary |
a book, or a source of information found on a computer, that lists the words of a language in alphabetical order, along with information about their meaning, spelling, and pronunciation. |
| did |
past tense of "do1." |
| didn't |
shortened form of "did not." |
| die1 |
to stop living; become dead. [4 definitions] |
| die2 |
singular of "dice." |
| diesel engine |
a type of engine that burns fuel oil. Diesel engines are different from most car engines, which use an electric spark to ignite the fuel. In a diesel engine, the fuel is sprayed into a chamber and set on fire by the heat of air that has been put under high pressure. Big trucks have diesel engines. |
| diet1 |
the food and drink usually eaten and drunk by a person or animal. [3 definitions] |
| dietitian |
a person who is trained to plan healthful meals for both ill and healthy people. |