circle
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
English [edit]
Etymology [edit]
From Latin circulus. Replaced Middle English cercle, from Old French cercle, from the same Latin source.
Pronunciation [edit]
Noun [edit]
circle (plural circles)
- (geometry) A two-dimensional geometric figure, a line, consisting of the set of all those points in a plane that are equally distant from another point.
- The set of all points (x, y) such that (x-1)2 + y2 = r2 is a circle of radius r around the point (1, 0).
- A two-dimensional geometric figure, a disk, consisting of the set of all those points of a plane at a distance less than or equal to a fixed distance from another point.
- Any thin three-dimensional equivalent of the geometric figures.
- Put on your dunce-cap and sit down on that circle.
- A curve that more or less forms part or all of a circle.
- move in a circle
- Orbit.
- A specific group of persons.
- inner circle
- circle of friends
- 1907, Robert Chambers, chapter 6, The Younger Set[1]:
- “I don't mean all of your friends—only a small proportion—which, however, connects your circle with that deadly, idle, brainless bunch—the insolent chatterers at the opera, the gorged dowagers, … !”
- 1922, Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit
- The Rabbit could not claim to be a model of anything, for he didn’t know that real rabbits existed; he thought they were all stuffed with sawdust like himself, and he understood that sawdust was quite out-of-date and should never be mentioned in modern circles.
- (cricket) A line comprising two semicircles of 30 yards radius centred on the wickets joined by straight lines parallel to the pitch used to enforce field restrictions in a one-day match.
- (Wicca) A ritual circle that is casted three times deosil and closes three times widdershins either in the air with a wand or literally with stones or other itmes used for worship.
- (South Africa) A traffic circle or roundabout.
- 2011, Charles E. Webb, Downfall and Freedom (page 120)
- He arrived at the lakefront and drove around the circle where the amusement park and beach used to be when he was a kid […]
- 2011, Charles E. Webb, Downfall and Freedom (page 120)
Synonyms [edit]
- (two-dimensional outline geometric figure): coil (not in mathematical use), ring (not in mathematical use), loop (not in mathematical use)
- (two-dimensional solid geometric figure): disc/disk (in mathematical and general use), round (not in mathematical use; UK & Commonwealth only)
- (curve): arc, curve
- (orbit): orbit
- (a specific group of persons): bunch, gang, group
Derived terms [edit]
Related terms [edit]
Translations [edit]
two-dimensional outline geometric figure
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disc, two-dimensional solid geometric figure
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three-dimensional geometric figure
curve
orbit
group of persons
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- The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables, removing any numbers. Numbers do not necessarily match those in definitions. See instructions at Help:How to check translations.
Translations to be checked
Verb [edit]
circle (third-person singular simple present circles, present participle circling, simple past and past participle circled)
- (transitive) To travel around along a curved path.
- (transitive) To surround.
- (transitive) To place or mark a circle around.
- Circle the jobs that you are interested in applying for.
- (intransitive) To travel in circles.
- Vultures circled overhead.
Derived terms [edit]
Translations [edit]
travel around along a curved path
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surround
place or mark a circle around
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travel in circles
- The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables, removing any numbers. Numbers do not necessarily match those in definitions. See instructions at Help:How to check translations.
Translations to be checked
