a closed plane curve consisting of all points at a given distance from a point within it called the center. Equation: x 2 + y 2 = r 2 .
the portion of a plane bounded by such a curve.
a ring, circlet, or crown.
the ring of a circus.
a section of seats in a theater: dress circle.
the area within which something acts, exerts influence, etc.; realm; sphere: A politician has a wide circle of influence.
a series ending where it began, especially when perpetually repeated; cycle: the circle of the year.
Logic. an argument ostensibly proving a conclusion but actually assuming the conclusion or its equivalent as a premise; vicious circle.
a complete series forming a connected whole; cycle: the circle of the sciences.
a number of persons bound by a common tie; coterie: a literary circle; a family circle.
Government. an administrative division, especially of a province.
Geography. a parallel of latitude.
(formerly) the orbit of a heavenly body.
a sphere or orb: the circle of the earth.
a ring of light in the sky; halo.
verb (used with object), circled, circling.
to enclose in a circle; surround; encircle: Circle the correct answer on the exam paper. The enemy circled the hill.
to move in a circle or circuit around; rotate or revolve around: He circled the house cautiously.
to change course so as to pass by or avoid collision with; bypass; evade: The ship carefully circled the iceberg.
verb (used without object), circled, circling.
Movies, Television. to iris (usually followed by in or out ).
circle the wagons,

before 1000; < Latin circulus, equivalent to circ(us) (see circus) + -ulus -ule; replacing Middle English cercle < Old French < Latin, as above; replacing Old English circul < Latin, as above

circler, noun
intercircle, verb (used with object), intercircled, intercircling.
recircle, verb, recircled, recircling.
uncircled, adjective
undercircle, verb (used with object), undercircled, undercircling.
undercircle, noun

3. ring, halo, corona. 11. Circle, club, coterie, set, society are terms applied to restricted social groups. A circle may be a little group; in the plural it often suggests a whole section of society interested in one mode of life, occupation, etc.: a sewing circle; a language circle; in theatrical circles. Club implies an association with definite requirements for membership and fixed dues: an athletic club. Coterie suggests a little group closely and intimately associated because of congeniality: a literary coterie. Set refers to a number of persons of similar background, interests, etc., somewhat like a clique (See ring1. ) but without disapproving connotations; however, it often implies wealth or interest in social activities: the country club set. A society is a group associated to further common interests of a cultural or practical kind: a Humane Society. Unabridged
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World English Dictionary
circle (ˈsɜːkəl)
1.  maths a closed plane curve every point of which is equidistant from a given fixed point, the centre. Equation: (x --h)² + (y --k= r² where r is the radius and (h, k) are the coordinates of the centre; area πr²; circumference: 2πr
2.  the figure enclosed by such a curve
3.  theatre the section of seats above the main level of the auditorium, usually comprising the dress circle and the upper circle
4.  something formed or arranged in the shape of a circle
5.  a group of people sharing an interest, activity, upbringing, etc; set: golf circles; a family circle
6.  a domain or area of activity, interest, or influence
7.  a circuit
8.  a process or chain of events or parts that forms a connected whole; cycle
9.  great circle See also small circle a parallel of latitude
10.  the ring of a circus
11.  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.  hockey See striking circle
13.  See vicious circle a circular argument
14.  come full circle See also vicious circle to arrive back at one's starting point
15.  go round in circles, run round in circles to engage in energetic but fruitless activity
16.  to move in a circle (around): we circled the city by car
17.  (tr) to enclose in a circle; encircle
[C14: from Latin circulus a circular figure, from circus ring, circle]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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Word Origin & History

c.1300, from O.Fr. cercle, from L. circulus "small ring," dim. of circus (q.v.). Replaced O.E. trendel and hring. Meaning "group of persons surrounding a center of interest" is from 1714; that of "coterie" is from 1640s; dim. form circlet is from late 15c. The verb is from late 14c.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary

circle cir·cle (sûr'kəl)

  1. A ring-shaped structure or group of structures.

  2. A line or process with every point equidistant from the center.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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American Heritage
Science Dictionary
circle   (sûr'kəl)  Pronunciation Key 

(click for larger image in new window)

A closed curve whose points are all on the same plane and at the same distance from a fixed point (the center).
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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American Heritage
Idioms & Phrases


see full circle; go around (in circles); run around (in circles); run rings (circles) around; vicious circle.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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Example sentences
Some think that the regime's ageing inner circle might prefer to back a more seasoned figure from their own ranks.
Someone with fewer close friends but a wider circle of casual acquaintances is
  more likely to get ahead.
Images for circle
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