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

It is — I’m not sure I’m going to pronounce this right — an orbicular batfish, related to spadefish that you can find on the East Coast.

From Washington Post

“Well, will you look at that,” Aarfy marveled sonorously right beside Yossarian, his plump, orbicular face sparkling with a look of bright enchantment.

From Literature

I do not speak it in vanity, but simply record the fact, that I was not unemployed in my profession by the late John Jacob Astor; a name which, I admit, I love to repeat, for it hath a rounded and orbicular sound to it, and rings like unto bullion.

From Slate

Posterior wings orbicular, entire, rarely dentated.

From Project Gutenberg

Shell ovate, smooth, obscure sea green; outer lip above immarginate; inner lip broad, flat; perforations numerous, very small, orbicular and smooth.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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