Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Nearby Words

circum-

 - 4 dictionary results

circum-

 
Use circum- in a Sentence
a prefix with the meaning “round about, around,” found in Latin loanwords, esp. derivatives of verbs that had the general senses “to encompass or surround” (circumference; circumjacent; circumstance) or “to go around” by the means or in the manner specified by the verb (circumnavigate; circumscribe); on this basis forming adjectives in English with the meaning “surrounding” that named by the stem (circumocular; circumpolar).
Origin:
< L circum around (acc. of circus; see circus, circle ), orig. as an adv. fixed in relation to the v., later construed as a prefix
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To circum-
circum-  
pref.  Around; about: circumlunar.

[Latin, from circum, around, accusative of circus, circle; see circle.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

circum- 
from L. circum adv. and prep., "around, round about" (as in circumnavigate, 1634), accusative form of circus "ring."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

circum- pref.
Around; about: circumduction.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see circum- on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way