English Dictionary
Definition of “circumference”
circumference (səˈkʌmfərəns
)
Definitions
noun
- the boundary of a specific area or geometric figure, esp of a circle
- the length of a closed geometric curve, esp of a circle. The circumference of a circle is equal to the diameter multiplied by π
Alternative Forms
circumferential (səˌkʌmfəˈrɛnʃəl) adjective cirˌcumferˈentially adverb Word Origin
C14: from Old French circonference, from Latin circumferre to carry around, from circum- + ferre to bear
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
=
edge,
limits,
border,
bounds,
outline,
boundary,
fringe,
verge,
rim,
perimeter,
periphery,
extremity,
Usage examples
The rest of the polythene I stretched tight across the top, weighting round the circumference with sand.
Brierley, David, Skorpion's Death (1985)This means debris could land anywhere around the 40,000 kilometre circumference of the Earth, in a band 42 kilometres wide.
New Scientist (2003)A Japanese saying captures the essence of this view: As the radius of knowledge expands, the circumference of ignorance increases.
Globe and Mail (2003)When it comes to bedding an outdoor hyacinth, however, the middle sizes of bulbs - 13 to 15cm circumference -are preferred.
Sun, News of the World (2002)The blocks are cut out from within this circle and placed round the circumference.
Edward Beauclerk Maurice, THE LAST OF THE GENTLEMEN ADVENTURERS: Coming of Age in the Arctic (2004)
