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circle

cir·cle [ súrk'l ]


noun  (plural cir·cles)
Definition:
 
1. shape of perfect hollow ring: a two-dimensional geometric figure formed of a curved line surrounding a center point, every point of the line being an equal distance from the center point

2. area inside circle: the area enclosed by a circle

3. circle-shaped thing: an area or object in the shape of a circle

4. circle-shaped pattern: an arrangement or pattern in the shape of a circle

5. group of people: a group of people who share a common interest, profession, activity, or social background

6. curved route: a course or route that follows a curved path

7. cycle: a process or series of events that ends at the point at which it began or that repeats itself continuously

8. theater raised theater seating: a section of tiered seating in a theater that is above ground level



verb  (past and past participle cir·cled, present participle cir·cling, 3rd person present singular cir·cles)
Definition:
 
1. transitive and intransitive verb move along curving route: to move, or move around something, following a curving route or path that ends where it began and usually repeats its cycle

2. transitive verb make mark around something: to draw a ring around something in order to mark it or draw attention to it

3. transitive verb surround place or area: to surround a place or an area with people

[Pre-12th century. Via French< Latin circulus "small circle" < circus "circle"]

cir·cler noun

come full circle to return to an earlier or first position or situation after leaving it

go or run around in circles to be very busy without actually achieving anything

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