Radical
in chemistry, a group of elements common to a more or less numerous series of allied compounds, and unaffected by the processes whereby these compounds are transformed one into another, e. g., Ethyl (C₂Hs), the radical of common alcohol (C2H5HO). In mathematics, an indicated root of an imperfect power of the degree indicated. In philology, (1) A radix, root, or simple underived, uncompounded word. (2) A letter which belongs to the root; a primitive letter. In English and American politics, an ultra-liberal, verging on Socialism; one of that party in the state which desires to carry out a radical reform of the constitution, and to give greater power to the democracy. The term was first used in England and applied as a party name in 1818 to Henry Hunt, Major Cartwright, and others of RADICALISM the same party, who wished to introduce radical reforms in the representative system.