circle

circle [sʉr′kəl]

n.

[ME cercle < OFr < L circulus, a circle, dim. of circus: see CIRCUS]

1. a plane figure bounded by a single curved line, every point of which is equally distant from the point at the center of the figure: see CONIC SECTION, ECCENTRICITY (sense 3)

2. the line bounding such a figure; circumference

3. anything shaped like a circle, as a circular road, a ring, a crown, or a halo

4. Old Poet. the orb of a heavenly body

5. the orbit of a heavenly body

6. a balcony or tier of seats as in a theater [the dress circle]

7. a complete or recurring series, usually ending as it began; cycle; period

8. a group of people bound together by common interests; coterie

9. Historical a territorial division, esp. in Germany

10. range or extent, as of influence or interest; scope

11.

a) GREAT CIRCLE

b) a parallel of latitude: see also ARCTIC CIRCLE, ANTARCTIC CIRCLE

12. an astronomical instrument with a part in the form of a calibrated circle

13. Logic a faulty manner of reasoning in which the conclusion that is to be proved is assumed in a premise [guilty of arguing in a circle]: see also VICIOUS CIRCLE

vt.

circled, circling

1. to form a circle around; encompass; surround

2. to move around, as in a circle

vi.

to go around in a circle; revolve

SYN.- COTERIE

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☆ circle the wagons

Informal to take defensive action; prepare for an attack: from arranging a wagon train in a circular formation

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come full circle

to return to an original position or state after going through a series or cycle

circler [cir′klər]

n.