[cir.cle] n, often attrib [ME cercle, fr. OF, fr. L circulus, dim. of circus circle, circus, fr. or akin to Gk krikos, kirkos ring; akin to OE hring ring--more at ring] (14c) 1 a: ring, halo b: a closed plane curve every point of which is equidistant from a fixed point within the curve c: the plane surface bounded by such a curve
2: the orbit of a celestial body
3: something in the form of a circle or section of a circle: as a: diadem b: an instrument of astronomical observation the graduated limb of which consists of an entire circle c: a balcony or tier of seats in a theater d: a circle formed on the surface of a sphere by the intersection of a plane that passes through it "~ of latitude" e: rotary 2
4: an area of action or influence: realm
5. a: cycle, round "the wheel has come full ~" b: fallacious reasoning in which something to be demonstrated is covertly assumed
6: a group of persons sharing a common interest or revolving about a common center "the sewing ~ of her church" "family ~" "the gossip of court ~s" 7: a territorial or administrative division or district 8: a curving side street
[2]circle vb cir.cled ; cir.cling vt (14c) 1: to enclose in or as if in a circle
2: to move or revolve around ~ vi 1 a: to move in or as if in a circle b: circulate
2: to describe or extend in a circle -- cir.cler n