circle by Collins

  1. 1) noun, maths a closed plane curve every point of which is equidistant from a given fixed point, the centre. Equation: (x –h)2 + (y –k)2 = r2 where r is the radius and (h, k) are the coordinates of the centre; area πr2; circumference: 2πr
  2. 2) noun, the figure enclosed by such a curve
  3. 3) noun, theatre the section of seats above the main level of the auditorium, usually comprising the dress circle and the upper circle
  4. 4) noun, something formed or arranged in the shape of a circle
  5. 5) noun, a group of people sharing an interest, activity, upbringing, etc; set
  6. 6) noun, a domain or area of activity, interest, or influence
  7. 7) noun, a circuit
  8. 8) noun, a process or chain of events or parts that forms a connected whole; cycle
  9. 9) noun, a parallel of latitude. See also great circle, small circle
  10. 10) noun, the ring of a circus
  11. 11) noun, one of a number of Neolithic or Bronze Age rings of standing stones, such as Stonehenge, found in Europe and thought to be associated with some form of ritual or astronomical measurement
  12. 12) noun, hockey. See striking circle
  13. 13) noun, a circular argument. See vicious circle
  14. 14) noun, come full circle to arrive back at one's starting point. See also vicious circle
  15. 15) noun, go or run round in circles to engage in energetic but fruitless activity
  16. 16) verb, to move in a circle (around)
  17. 17) verb, to enclose in a circle; encircle

Etymology

C14: from Latin circulus a circular figure, from circus ring, circle

Collins English Electronic Dictionary - Digital Edition: 2008 © HarperCollins Publishers 2008

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Synonyms

set, school, ring, round, band, disc, loop, hoop, cordon, perimeter, halo, group, company, club, order, class, society, crowd, assembly, fellowship, fraternity, clique, coterie, sphere, world, area, range, field, scene, orbit, realm, milieu, ring, surround, belt, curve, enclose, encompass, compass, envelop, encircle, circumscribe, gird, circumnavigate, enwreath, wheel, spiral, revolve, rotate, whirl, pivot

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