Main Entry: cir·cum·scribe

Pronunciation: \ˈsər-k^əm-ˌskrīb\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Middle English circumscriven, from Latin circumscribere, from circum- + scribere to write, draw — more at scribe

Date: 14th century

1 a : to constrict the range or activity of definitely and clearly <his role was carefully circumscribed> b : to define or mark off carefully <a study of plant species in a circumscribed area>
2 a : to draw a line around b : to surround by or as if by a boundary <fields circumscribed by tall trees>
3 : to construct or be constructed around (a geometrical figure) so as to touch as many points as possible

synonyms see limit