Circle

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. A plane figure, bounded by a single curve line called its circumference, every part of which is equally distant from a point within it, called the center.

2. The line that bounds sush a figure; a circumference; a ring.

3. An instrument of observation, the graduated limb of which consists of an entire circle.

4. A round body; a sphere; an orb. It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth. Is. xi. 22.

5. Compass; circuit; inclosure. In the circle of this forest. Shak.

6. A company assembled, or conceived to assemble, about a central point of interest, or bound by a common tie; a class or division of society; a coterie; a set. As his name gradually became known, the circle of his acquaintance widened. Macaulay.

7. A circular group of persons; a ring.

8. A series ending where it begins, and repeating itself. Thus in a circle runs the peasant's pain. Dryden.

9. A form of argument in which two or more unproved statements are used to prove each other; inconclusive reasoning. That heavy bodies descend by gravity; and, again, that gravity is a quality whereby a heavy body descends, is an impertinent circle and teaches nothing. Glanvill.

10. Indirect form of words; circumlocution. [R.] Has he given the lie, In circle, or oblique, or semicircle. J. Fletcher.

11. A territorial division or district.

Synonyms: Ring; circlet; compass; circuit; inclosure.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

1. To move around; to revolve around. Other planets circle other suns. Pope.

2. To encompass, as by a circle; to surround; to inclose; to encircle. Prior. Pope. Their heads are circled with a short turban. Dampier. So he lies, circled with evil. Coleridge. To circle in, to confine; to hem in; to keep together; as, to circle bodies in. Sir K. Digby.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

To move circularly; to form a circle; to circulate. Thy name shall circle round the gaping through. Byron.