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 curve
2 archaic : the orbit of a celestial body
3 : 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 : realm
5 a : cycle, round <the wheel has come full circle> b : fallacious reasoning in which something to be demonstrated is covertly assumed
6 : 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 district
8 : a curving side street

[circle illustration]