circuit

¹cir·cuit

noun, often attributive \ˈsər-kət\

Definition of CIRCUIT

1

a : a usually circular line encompassing an area

b : the space enclosed within such a line

2

a : a course around a periphery

b : a circuitous or indirect route

3

a : a regular tour (as by a traveling judge or preacher) around an assigned district or territory

b : the route traveled

c : a group of church congregations ministered to by one pastor

4

a : the complete path of an electric current including usually the source of electric energy

b : an assemblage of electronic elements : hookup

c : a two-way communication path between points (as in a computer)

d : a neuronal pathway of the brain along which electrical and chemical signals travel

5

a : an association of similar groups : league

b : a number or series of public outlets (as theaters, radio shows, or arenas) offering the same kind of presentation

c : a number of similar social gatherings <the cocktail circuit>

— cir·cuit·al \-kə-t^əl\ adjective

Examples of CIRCUIT

1. It takes a year for the Earth to make one circuit around the sun.

Origin of CIRCUIT

Middle English, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French circuite, from Latin circuitus, from circumire, circuire to go around, from circum- + ire to go — more at issue

First Known Use: 14th century

²circuit

verb

Definition of CIRCUIT

transitive verb

: to make a circuit about

intransitive verb

: to make a circuit

Examples of CIRCUIT

1. <after circuiting the exterior of the church, the procession headed inside>

First Known Use of CIRCUIT

15th century

Related to CIRCUIT

Synonyms

circle, encircle, circumnavigate, circumvent, compass, girdle, orbit, ring, round

Related Words

circumambulate, cross, perambulate, traverse

cir·cuit

noun \ˈsər-kət\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of CIRCUIT

: the complete path of an electric current including usually the source of electric energy

circuit

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Path that transmits electric current. A circuit includes a battery or a generator that gives energy to the charged particles; devices that use current, such as lamps, motors, or electronic computers; and connecting wires or transmission lines. Circuits can be classified according to the type of current they carry (see alternating current, direct current) or according to whether the current remains whole (series) or divides to flow through several branches simultaneously (parallel). Two basic laws that describe the performance of electric circuits are Ohm's law and Kirchhoff's circuit rules. See also tuned circuit.

Variants of CIRCUIT

circuit or electric circuit