释义 |
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2024cir•cle /ˈsɜrkəl/USA pronunciation n., v., -cled, -cling. n. [countable] - Mathematicsa closed curve consisting of all the points at a given distance from the center:She drew a circle.
- Mathematicsthe flat surface or plane made up by such a curve:"Somewhere in this circle is our missing submarine,'' said the general.
- any ringlike object or arrangement: a circle of dancers.
- the area within which something acts, exerts influence, etc.;
realm; sphere: a wide circle of influence. - a number of persons joined by something in common: a circle of friends.
v. - [~ + object] to enclose in a circle: Circle the correct answer.
- to move in a circle around: [~ + object]The police circled the house cautiously.[no object]The squadron circled at 20,000 feet.
- [~ + object] to bypass;
go around; evade: The ship circled the iceberg. Idioms- Idioms come full circle:
- to find oneself back where one started:We'd come full circle in our tour of the city.
cir•cler, n. [countable] WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2024cir•cle (sûr′kəl),USA pronunciation n., v., -cled, -cling. n. - Mathematicsa closed plane curve consisting of all points at a given distance from a point within it called the center. Equation:x2 + y2 = r2.
- Mathematicsthe portion of a plane bounded by such a curve.
- any circular or ringlike object, formation, or arrangement:a circle of dancers.
- a ring, circlet, or crown.
- the ring of a circus.
- Show Businessa section of seats in a theater:dress circle.
- the area within which something acts, exerts influence, etc.;
realm; sphere:A politician has a wide circle of influence. - a series ending where it began, esp. when perpetually repeated;
cycle:the circle of the year. - Philosophy[Logic.]an argument ostensibly proving a conclusion but actually assuming the conclusion or its equivalent as a premise;
vicious circle. - a complete series forming a connected whole;
cycle:the circle of the sciences. - a number of persons bound by a common tie;
coterie:a literary circle; a family circle. - Governmentan administrative division, esp. of a province.
- Geography, Place Namesa parallel of latitude.
- Astronomy
- (formerly) the orbit of a heavenly body.
- See meridian circle.
- Surveyinga glass or metal disk mounted concentrically with the spindle of a theodolite or level and graduated so that the angle at which the alidade is set may be read.
- a sphere or orb:the circle of the earth.
- Astronomya ring of light in the sky;
halo. v.t. - to enclose in a circle;
surround; encircle:Circle the correct answer on the exam paper. The enemy circled the hill. - to move in a circle or circuit around;
rotate or revolve around:He circled the house cautiously. - to change course so as to pass by or avoid collision with;
bypass; evade:The ship carefully circled the iceberg. - Idioms circle the wagons:
- American History(in the early U.S. West) to form the wagons of a covered-wagon train into a circle for defensive purposes, as against Indian attack.
- Slang Termsto prepare for an all-out, unaided defensive fight:The company has circled the wagons since its market share began to decline.
v.i. - to move in a circle or circuit:The plane circled for half an hour before landing.
- Show Business[Motion Pictures, Television.]to iris (usually fol. by in or out).
- Latin, as above
- Latin, as above; replacing Old English circul
- Old French
- Latin circulus, equivalent. to circ(us) (see circus) + -ulus -ule; replacing Middle English cercle
- bef. 1000
cir′cler, n. - 3.See corresponding entry in Unabridged ring, halo, corona.
- 11.See corresponding entry in Unabridged Circle, club, coterie, set, society are terms applied to restricted social groups. A circle may be a little group; in the plural it often suggests a whole section of society interested in one mode of life, occupation, etc.:a sewing circle; a language circle; in theatrical circles.Club implies an association with definite requirements for membership and fixed dues:an athletic club.Coterie suggests a little group closely and intimately associated because of congeniality:a literary coterie.Set refers to a number of persons of similar background, interests, etc., somewhat like a clique (See ring 1) but without disapproving connotations; however, it often implies wealth or interest in social activities:the country club set.A society is a group associated to further common interests of a cultural or practical kind:a Humane Society.
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers:: circle /ˈsɜːkəl/ n - a closed plane curve every point of which is equidistant from a given fixed point, the centre. Equation: (x –h)² + (y –k)² = r² where r is the radius and (h, k) are the coordinates of the centre; area πr²; circumference: 2πr
- the figure enclosed by such a curve
- the section of seats above the main level of the auditorium, usually comprising the dress circle and the upper circle
- something formed or arranged in the shape of a circle
- a group of people sharing an interest, activity, upbringing, etc; set: golf circles, a family circle
- a domain or area of activity, interest, or influence
- a circuit
- a process or chain of events or parts that forms a connected whole; cycle
- a parallel of latitude
See also great circle, small circle - one of a number of Neolithic or Bronze Age rings of standing stones, such as Stonehenge, found in Europe and thought to be associated with some form of ritual or astronomical measurement
- come full circle ⇒ to arrive back at one's starting point
See also vicious circle - go round in circles, run round in circles ⇒ to engage in energetic but fruitless activity
vb - to move in a circle (around)
- (transitive) to enclose in a circle; encircle
Etymology: 14th Century: from Latin circulus a circular figure, from circus ring, circleˈcircler n |