Main Entry:

cir·cum·fer·ence

Pronunciation:

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

Function:

noun

Etymology:

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

Date:

14th century

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