Radical

Radical is derived from the Latin word radix, which means "root". In various fields of endeavor, it can mean:

Sciences

• in Chemistry, either an Atom or Molecule with at least one unpaired Electron, or a group of atoms, charged or uncharged, that act as a single entity in reaction. These two definitions are not functionally identical. (see Radical (chemistry)).
• in Mathematics:
  • the n-th radical or root of a number a, written as

    n √

    –– a

    , which is a number whose n-th power is a (see Radical (mathematics)).
  • the Radical of an algebraic group is a concept in Algebraic group theory.
  • the Radical of an ideal is an important concept in Abstract algebra.
• in Linguistics, a Radical consonant involves the root of the tongue.
• in grammatology, it is part of a Chinese character (see Radical (Chinese character)).

Social sciences

• in Sociology:
  • one who advocates thoroughgoing analysis or change "at the root"
• in Politics:
  • can refer to a supporter of a Revolutionary Social movement
  • can refer to the Radicalism (historical) movement which developed in 19th century Britain with the primary aim of Electoral reform
  • can refer to Radicalism (historical) left wing liberal movements in continental Europe
  • can refer to a counterpart to Reactionary; see Radical Republican
  • can refer to member of a Radical Party
  • can refer to a progressive liberal, e.g. the Radicals (UK), a group of left-wing MPs in the 19th-century British Parliament