circumference
cir·cum·fer·ence (sər kum′fər əns, -frəns)
noun
- the line bounding a circle, a rounded surface, or an area suggesting a circle
- the distance measured by this line
Etymology: ME < L circumferentia < circumferens, prp. of circumferre < circum, around + ferre, to carry, bear
Related Forms:
- circumferential cir·cum′·fer·en′·tial (-fər en′s̸həl) adjective
- circumferentially cir·cum′·fer·en′·tially adverb
circumference
n.
circumference refers to the line bounding a circle or any approximately circular or elliptical area; perimeter extends the meaning to a line bounding any area or figure, as a triangle, square, or polygon; periphery, in its literal sense identical with perimeter, is more frequently used of the edge of a physical object or in an extended metaphoric sense the periphery of understanding; circuit can also denote a line bounding an area, but now usually refers to a course or journey around a periphery the moon's circuit of the earth; compass refers literally to an area within specific limits but is often used figuratively the compass of the city, the compass of freedom
Converse of object
- calculate: His prime objective was to measure a degree on the equator to calculate the circumference of the Earth.
- measure: How can we measure the circumference of various items?
Adjective modifier
- abdominal: In later pregnancy ultrasound assessment of the fetal abdominal circumference is the most sensitive predictor of fetal weight.
- outer: To help get the big hose back onto the radiator, smear a little grease over the outer circumference of the junction.
- rolling: The Yokohama tires provide an overall rolling circumference of 75 " .
- mid: Larger mid thigh circumference: Please state size required and add £ 5.00 per pair.
- entire: Don't bandage the entire circumference of any puncture site.
- upper: Assessment of severe malnutrition among hospitalized children in rural Kenya: comparison of weight for height and mid upper arm circumference.
Modifies a noun
- measurement: Foot sizes and leg circumference measurements as well in these socks!
Noun used with modifier
- waist: Studies have shown there has been a large increase in waist circumference in young people.
- ankle: For below-knee stockings measure foot length, ankle circumference, calf circumference, length from below the knee to the base of the heel.
- hip: The hip circumference was measured at the greatest circuit.
- calf: For below-knee stockings measure foot length, ankle circumference, calf circumference, length from below the knee to the base of the heel.
- head: The head circumference should be plotted on a chart which takes height into account.
- arm: Monitor is supplied with the Omron Medium Cuff which fits 22 - 32cm arm circumference.
Possessives
- earth: The Earth's circumference was actually measured around 240 BC by Eratosthenes with a high degree of accuracy.
- circle: Normally thought of as the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter, pi keeps turning up in odd places.
Preposition: of
He took the golden compasses, prepared In God's eternal store, to circumscribe This universe, and all created things: One foot he centred, and the other turned Round through the vast profundity obscure, And said,'Thus far extend, thus far thy bounds This be thy just circumference,O world.'
Browse dictionary entries near circumference
