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circumference Definition

cir·cum·fer·ence (sər kum′fər əns, -frəns)

noun

  1. the line bounding a circle, a rounded surface, or an area suggesting a circle
  2. the distance measured by this line

Etymology: ME < L circumferentia < circumferens, prp. of circumferre < circum, around + ferre, to carry, bear

Related Forms:

circumference Synonyms

circumference

n.

perimeter, periphery, boundary, outline, ambit, circuit, compass, limit, border, bounds, edge, rim, margin; see also boundary, circuit.

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

circumference Usage Examples

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

  • circle: The point P is on the circumference of the circle of radius b.
  • tire: Once the tire starts to rotate, the product spreads around the circumference of the tire.
  • earth: I did not know the circumference of the earth.
circumference Quotes

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.'

—Milton,John