circumference

cir·cum·fer·ence

noun
\sə(r)-ˈkəm(p)-fərn(t)s, -f(ə-)rən(t)s\

Definition of CIRCUMFERENCE

1

: the perimeter of a circle

2

: the external boundary or surface of a figure or object : periphery

— cir·cum·fer·en·tial \-ˌkəm(p)-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl\ adjective

Examples of CIRCUMFERENCE

1. What is the circumference of the Earth at the equator?
2. The circle is 38 inches in circumference.
3. The fence marks the circumference of the field.

Origin of CIRCUMFERENCE

Middle English, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, from Latin circumferentia, from circumferre to carry around, from circum- + ferre to carry — more at bear

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CIRCUMFERENCE

Synonyms: girth

Related Words: ambit, circuit, compass; waistline; equator; diameter, radius; perimeter, periphery

Near Antonyms: center, core, heart; inner, inside, interior, middle, within

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms

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