circle

cir•cle

[[t]ˈsɜr kəl[/t]] n. v. -cled, -cling

1) math. a closed plane curve consisting of all points at a given distance from a point within it called the center

2) math. the portion of a plane bounded by such a curve

3) any circular or ringlike object, formation, or arrangement:

a circle of dancers[/ex]

4) a ring, circlet, or crown

5) the ring of a circus

6) sbz a section of seats in a theater

Compare dress circle,family circle

7) the area within which something acts, exerts influence, etc.; realm; sphere:

a wide circle of influence[/ex]

8) a series ending where it began or forming a connected whole; cycle

9) pho an argument ostensibly proving a conclusion but actually assuming the conclusion as a premise; vicious circle

10) a number of persons bound by a common tie; coterie:

a circle of friends[/ex]

11) gov an administrative division, esp. of a province

12) geo a parallel of latitude

13) a sphere or orb:

the circle of the earth[/ex]

14) to enclose in a circle; encircle:

Circle the correct answer[/ex]

15) to rotate or revolve around:

He circled the house cautiously[/ex]

16) to bypass; evade:

The ship carefully circled the iceberg[/ex]

17) to move in a circle or circuit

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- come full circle

Etymology: 1275–1325; ME cercle < OF < L circulus=circ(us) (see circus) +-ulus -ule cir′cler, n.