circumference

[ ser-kuhm-fer-uhns ]

noun

1. the outer boundary, especially of a circular area; perimeter:

   the circumference of a circle.

   Synonyms: circuit, periphery

2. the length of such a boundary:

   a one-mile circumference.

3. the area within a bounding line:

   the vast circumference of his mind.

circumference

/ səˌkʌmfəˈrɛnʃəl; səˈkʌmfərəns /

noun

1. the boundary of a specific area or geometric figure, esp of a circle
2. the length of a closed geometric curve, esp of a circle. The circumference of a circle is equal to the diameter multiplied by π

circumference

/ sər-kŭm′fər-əns /

1. The boundary line of a circle.
2. The boundary line of a figure, area, or object.
3. The length of such a boundary. The circumference of a circle is computed by multiplying the diameter by pi.

circumference

1. The measure of the distance around a circle.

Derived Forms

• circumferential, adjective
• cirˌcumferˈentially, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of circumference¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin circumferentia, equivalent to circum- circum- + fer- (stem of ferre to carry) + -entia -ence

Word History and Origins

Origin of circumference¹

C14: from Old French circonference, from Latin circumferre to carry around, from circum- + ferre to bear

Example Sentences

A review of 35 studies examined whether consuming cinnamon could affect waist circumference, which is linked to increased body fat levels.

From Salon

A rider’s entire journey, including flights, ferries and public transit, must equal a total distance equivalent to 40,000km – the circumference of the Earth’s equator.

From BBC

But missing data meant they could not account for the effect of family history, insulin resistance or waist circumference, which are more strongly associated with diabetes.

From BBC

Why do we use the Greek letter π for the ratio between a circle’s circumference and diameter?

From Salon

The Fra’ Mani is larger in circumference and sliced wafer-thin.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• girth