Main Entry:

¹cir·cle

Pronunciation:

\ˈsər-kəl\

Function:

noun

Usage:

often attributive

Etymology:

Middle English cercle, from Anglo-French, from Latin circulus, diminutive of circus circle, circus, from or akin to Greek krikos, kirkos ring; akin to Old English hring ring — more at ring

Date:

14th century

1 a: ring, halo b: a closed plane curve every point of which is equidistant from a fixed point within the curve c: the plane surface bounded by such a curve2archaic : the orbit of a celestial body3: something in the form of a circle or section of a circle: as a: diadem b: an instrument of astronomical observation the graduated limb of which consists of an entire circle c: a balcony or tier of seats in a theater d: a circle formed on the surface of a sphere by the intersection of a plane that passes through it <circle of latitude> e: rotary 2 4: an area of action or influence : realm5 a: cycle, round <the wheel has come full circle> b: fallacious reasoning in which something to be demonstrated is covertly assumed6: a group of persons sharing a common interest or revolving about a common center <the sewing circle of her church> <family circle> <the gossip of court circles>7: a territorial or administrative division or district8: a curving side street

[circle illustration]