circus

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Derived terms 1.3.2 Related terms 1.3.3 Translations 2 Latin 2.1 Etymology 2.2 Noun 2.2.1 Inflection 2.2.2 Derived terms 2.2.3 Descendants

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From Latin circus, "ring, circle"

[edit] Pronunciation

•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

  Rhymes: -ɜː(r)kəs

[edit] Noun

Wikipedia

circus (plural circuses)

1. A traveling company of performers that may include acrobats, clowns, trained animals, and other novelty acts, that gives shows usually in a circular tent.

   The circus will be in town next week.

2. A round open space in a town or city where multiple streets meet.

   Oxford Circus in London is at the north end of Regent Street.

3. (historical) In the ancient Roman Empire, a building for chariot racing.
4. (military) A World War II code name for bomber attacks with fighter escorts in the day time. The attacks were against short range targets with the intention of occupying enemy fighters and keeping their fighter units in the area concerned.
   • RAF Web - Air of Authority

     ... the squadron (No. 452) moved to Kenley in July 1941 and took part in the usual round of Circus, Rhubarb and Ramrod missions.

[edit] Derived terms

• media circus

[edit] Related terms

• circular
• circle

[edit] Translations

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[edit] Latin

[edit] Etymology

From Ancient Greek κίρκος (kirkos), “‘circle, ring’”), related with κρίκος (krikos), “‘ring’”).

[edit] Noun

circus (genitive circī); m, second declension

1. A circular line or orbit; circle, ring.
2. A racecourse or space where games are held, especially one that is round.
3. The spectators in a circus; a circus.

[edit] Inflection

Number	Singular	Plural
nominative	circus	circī
genitive	circī	circōrum
dative	circō	circīs
accusative	circum	circōs
ablative	circō	circīs
vocative	circe	circī

[edit] Derived terms

• circō

[edit] Descendants

• English: circus