orbicular

adjective

or·​bic·​u·​lar ȯr-ˈbi-kyə-lər How to pronounce orbicular (audio)
orbicularly adverb

Examples of orbicular in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web That orange orbicular droid the company was looking for? Marah Eakin, WIRED, 28 Feb. 2024 Let’s allow these orbicular fruit-ghosts to finally ascend to the next plane. Heather Arndt Anderson, Sunset Magazine, 17 Mar. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'orbicular.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English orbiculer, borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French orbiculaire, borrowed from Medieval Latin orbiculāris, from Latin orbiculus "circular figure, small disk" (from orbis "disk, circle" + -culus, diminutive suffix) + -āris -ar — more at orb entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of orbicular was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near orbicular

Cite this Entry

“Orbicular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orbicular. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

orbicular

adjective
or·​bic·​u·​lar ȯr-ˈbik-yə-lər How to pronounce orbicular (audio)
: encircling a part or opening
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