sərˈkəm(p)fərn(t)s, -f(ə)rən(t)s, -R & often R səˈk- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French circumference, circonference, from Latin circumferentia, from circumferre to carry around, from circum- + ferre to carry — more at bear
1. : the line that bounds a circular plane surface or the length of this line equal to π times the diameter : perimeter ; broadly : periphery , circuit
2.
a. : the surface or outer limits of a sphere or rounded body : the measure of the perimeter of a great circle or sphere
from the center to the circumference of the spheroid
b. : limits , bounds
within the circumference of a grain of sand
that mysterious intellectual magnetism that enlarges the circumference of his ego — J.C.Powys