orbicular

[ awr-bik-yuh-ler ]

adjective

1. like an orb; ringlike; circular; spherical; rounded.

orbicular

/ ɔːˈbɪkjʊlə; ɔːˌbɪkjʊˈlærɪtɪ /

adjective

1. circular or spherical
2. (of a leaf or similar flat part) circular or nearly circular
3. rare.
   rounded or total

Derived Forms

• orˈbicularly, adverb
• orbicularity, noun

Other Words From

• or·bicu·lari·ty or·bicu·lar·ness noun
• or·bicu·lar·ly adverb
• subor·bicu·lar adjective
• subor·bicu·lar·ly adverb
• subor·bicu·lari·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of orbicular¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English orbiculer, from Old French orbiculaire and Late Latin orbiculāris “circular, spherical,” equivalent to Latin orbi(s) “disk” + -cul(us) diminutive suffix + -āris; orb, -cule ¹, -ar ¹

Example Sentences

This shell is very like Cytherea loeta, but differs from it in its markings, as well as its outline, which is more orbicular.

From Project Gutenberg

Its shape varies from triangular to orbicular, the mouth of the animal forming the vertex of the triangle.

From Project Gutenberg

This mass was of a flattened, orbicular shape, and its surface coated with a green oxide.

From Project Gutenberg

The precipices on the east shore shot up into spiral points; yet the orbicular elevations are covered with grass and shrubbery.

From Project Gutenberg

If my observations were well taken it embraces, sparingly, orbicular masses of hornblende.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bulbous
• curled
• curved
• cylindrical
• elliptical
• oval
• rounded
• spherical