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noun
1.
a closed plane curve consisting of all points at a given distance from a point within it called the center. Equation: x2 + y2 = r2.
2.
the portion of a plane bounded by such a curve.
3.
any circular or ringlike object, formation, or arrangement: a circle of dancers.
4.
a ring, circlet, or crown.
5.
EXPANDthe ring of a circus.
6.
a section of seats in a theater: dress circle.
7.
the area within which something acts, exerts influence, etc.; realm; sphere: A politician has a wide circle of influence.
8.
a series ending where it began, especially when perpetually repeated; cycle: the circle of the year.
9.
Logic. an argument ostensibly proving a conclusion but actually assuming the conclusion or its equivalent as a premise; vicious circle.
10.
a complete series forming a connected whole; cycle: the circle of the sciences.
11.
a number of persons bound by a common tie; coterie: a literary circle; a family circle.
12.
Government. an administrative division, especially of a province.
13.
Geography. a parallel of latitude.
14.
15.
Surveying. a glass or metal disk mounted concentrically with the spindle of a theodolite or level and graduated so that the angle at which the alidade is set may be read.
16.
a sphere or orb: the circle of the earth.
17.
COLLAPSEa ring of light in the sky; halo.
verb (used with object)
18.
to enclose in a circle; surround; encircle: Circle the correct answer on the exam paper. The enemy circled the hill.
19.
to move in a circle or circuit around; rotate or revolve around: He circled the house cautiously.
20.
to change course so as to pass by or avoid collision with; bypass; evade: The ship carefully circled the iceberg.
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Circles
is always a great word to know.
So is slumgullion. Does it mean:
| a gadget; dingus; thingumbob. |
| a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc. |
verb (used without object)
Idiom21.
to move in a circle or circuit: The plane circled for half an hour before landing.
22.
Movies, Television. to iris (usually followed by in or out).
23.
circle the wagons,
a.
(in the early U.S. West) to form the wagons of a covered-wagon train into a circle for defensive purposes, as against Indian attack.
b.
Slang. to prepare for an all-out, unaided defensive fight: The company has circled the wagons since its market share began to decline.
Origin:
before 1000; < Latin circulus, equivalent to circ(us) (see circus) + -ulus -ule; replacing Middle English cercle < Old French < Latin, as above; replacing Old English circul < Latin, as above
before 1000; < Latin circulus, equivalent to circ(us) (see circus) + -ulus -ule; replacing Middle English cercle < Old French < Latin, as above; replacing Old English circul < Latin, as above
Related forms
cir·cler, noun
in·ter·cir·cle, verb (used with object), -cled, -cling.
re·cir·cle, verb, -cled, -cling.
un·cir·cled, adjective
un·der·cir·cle, verb (used with object), -cled, -cling.
EXPANDun·der·cir·cle, noun
COLLAPSESynonyms
3. ring, halo, corona. 11. Circle, club, coterie, set, society are terms applied to restricted social groups. A circle may be a little group; in the plural it often suggests a whole section of society interested in one mode of life, occupation, etc.: a sewing circle; a language circle; in theatrical circles. Club implies an association with definite requirements for membership and fixed dues: an athletic club. Coterie suggests a little group closely and intimately associated because of congeniality: a literary coterie. Set refers to a number of persons of similar background, interests, etc., somewhat like a clique (See ring1) but without disapproving connotations; however, it often implies wealth or interest in social activities: the country club set. A society is a group associated to further common interests of a cultural or practical kind: a Humane Society.
3. ring, halo, corona. 11. Circle, club, coterie, set, society are terms applied to restricted social groups. A circle may be a little group; in the plural it often suggests a whole section of society interested in one mode of life, occupation, etc.: a sewing circle; a language circle; in theatrical circles. Club implies an association with definite requirements for membership and fixed dues: an athletic club. Coterie suggests a little group closely and intimately associated because of congeniality: a literary coterie. Set refers to a number of persons of similar background, interests, etc., somewhat like a clique (See ring1) but without disapproving connotations; however, it often implies wealth or interest in social activities: the country club set. A society is a group associated to further common interests of a cultural or practical kind: a Humane Society.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Link To circles
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
circle
c.1300, from O.Fr. cercle, from L. circulus "small ring," dim. of circus (q.v.). Replaced O.E. trendel and hring. Meaning "group of persons surrounding a center of interest" is from 1714; that of "coterie" is from 1640s; dim. form circlet is from late 15c. The verb is from late 14c.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary
circle cir·cle (sûr'kəl)
n.
A ring-shaped structure or group of structures.
A line or process with every point equidistant from the center.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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American Heritage
Science Dictionary
circle  (sûr'kəl) Pronunciation Key
(click for larger image in new window) A closed curve whose points are all on the same plane and at the same distance from a fixed point (the center). |
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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