circle

Definition

A two-dimensional geometric figure, a line, consisting of the set of all those points in a plane that are equally distant from a given point (center).

Etymology

From Middle English circle, cercle, from Old French cercle and Latin circulus, diminutive of Latin circus (“circle, circus”), from Ancient Greek κίρκος (kírkos, “circle, ring”), related to Old English hring (“ring”). Compare also Old English ċircul (“circle, zodiac”), which came from the same Latin source.

Example Sentences

• "The set of all points (x, y) such that (x − 1)² + y² = r² is a circle of radius r around the point (1, 0)."
• "Children, please join hands and form a circle."
• "Cut a circle out of that sheet of metal."

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