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Glite Dictionary
radial-ply

radial-ply

8.1
A tire with layers running across it at right angles, giving longer tread life and flexible sides
  • adjective
  • /ˈreɪdiəl plaɪ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : radial
  • Many modern vehicles are equipped with radial-ply tires for improved performance and safety.

Examples

  • The radial-ply design allows for a smoother ride compared to older tire constructions.

  • Consumers often prefer radial-ply tires because of their longer tread life.

  • The new radial-ply tires improved the car's handling.

  • Many vehicles now use radial-ply tires for better performance.

  • Many modern vehicles are equipped with radial-ply tires for improved performance and safety.

  • The radial-ply design allows for a smoother ride compared to older tire constructions.

  • Consumers often prefer radial-ply tires because of their longer tread life.

Surface Forms

radial-ply positive

Morphology

radial-ply = radial + ply (semi-transparent) = radial + ply

Formation is a straightforward compound of 'radial' + 'ply', but the specific technical sense of 'ply' in tire construction makes the term specialized and potentially unfamiliar to general learners.

Etymology

Radial-ply is easy to picture: radial comes from a word for a 'spoke' or 'ray', like the spokes of a wheel, and ply means a 'layer', as in plywood. So a radial-ply tire has cords and layers arranged like wheel spokes, which is why it gives a smoother ride and more flexible sidewalls.