circular
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1cir·cu·lar

adjective \ˈsər-kyə-lər\

Definition of CIRCULAR

1
a : having the form of a circle : round <a circular orbit>
b : moving in or describing a circle or spiral <a circular staircase>
2
a : of or relating to a circle or its mathematical properties <a circular arc>
b : having a circular base or bases <a circular cylinder>
4
: marked by or moving in a cycle
5
: being or involving reasoning that uses in the argument or proof a conclusion to be proved or one of its unproved consequences
6
: intended for circulation <a circular letter>
cir·cu·lar·i·ty \ˌsər-kyə-ˈler-ə-tē, -ˈla-rə-\ noun
cir·cu·lar·ly \ˈsər-kyə-lər-lē\ adverb
cir·cu·lar·ness noun

Examples of CIRCULAR

  1. That planet has a more circular orbit than our planet does.
  2. <a rather circular discussion of the problem that never addresses it directly>

Origin of CIRCULAR

Middle English circuler, from Middle French, from Late Latin circularis, from Latin circulus circle
First Known Use: 15th century

Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms

abscissa, denominator, divisor, equilateral, exponent, hypotenuse, logarithm, oblique, radii, rhomb

2circular

noun

Definition of CIRCULAR

: a paper (as a leaflet) intended for wide distribution

Examples of CIRCULAR

  1. According to the circular, eggs are on sale this week.
  2. <promptly tosses out those advertising circulars that come in the newspaper>

First Known Use of CIRCULAR

1789

Other Printing Terms

epigraph, errata, leader, mechanical, notch, tittle, underscore, widow

cir·cu·lar

adjective \ˈsər-kyə-lər\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of CIRCULAR

: manic-depressive; especially : bipolar 3 <the exalted phase of the mental circular state—Havelock Ellis>

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