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[edit] Axial leads

This is an example of a component with axial leads:

Note that the leads come out just as an axle of a car.

[edit] Single-Ended Axial Leads

Next is an example of a single-ended-axial component. Note the leads come out the axis of the component. It is not, even thought the error persists in catalogs, a radial component.

[edit] Radial Component

A true radial leaded component has leads coming out the radius of the part.

[edit] Tangential leaded part

As can be seen here - this capacitor does not have leads coming out of the radius - they are tangential. The birth of the error can be seen in the next picture of a disc capacitor. The leads were attached radially - and bent so they exit tangentially.

As time passed the leads of disc capacitors were formed to be closer and closer together - until they were no longer tangential - but somewhat radial.

But as disc capacitors were replaced with parts that had a different shape - the term was totally misused.

The following is a true Radial Leaded electrolytic Capacitor