circus movement

noun

1
: involuntary circling in one direction due to injury to the central nervous system, especially to the cerebellum or the semicircular canals compare nystagmus
2
: movement of a wave of excitation through excitable tissue in such a manner that it makes and repeats more or less indefinitely a complete circuit back to the point of origin, considered to be a possible cause of auricular fibrillation in humans

Word History

Etymology

Latin circus (circle)

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near circus movement

Cite this Entry

“Circus movement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circus%20movement. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!