circum-

¹

1. a prefix with the meaning “round about, around,” found in Latin loanwords, especially derivatives of verbs that had the general senses “to encompass or surround” ( circumference; circumjacent; circumstance ) or “to go around” by the means or in the manner specified by the verb ( circumnavigate; circumscribe ); on this basis forming adjectives in English with the meaning “surrounding” that named by the stem ( circumocular; circumpolar ).

circum.

²

abbreviation for

1. circumference.

circum-

prefix

1. around; surrounding; on all sides

   circumlocution

   circumrotate

circum–

1. A prefix meaning “around”, as in circumscribe, to draw a figure around another figure.

Word History and Origins

Origin of circum-¹

From Latin circum “around” (accusative of circus; circus, circle ), originally as an adverb fixed in relation to the verb, later construed as a prefix

Word History and Origins

Origin of circum-¹

from Latin circum around, from circus circle

Example Sentences

I stated this circum- stance to F. Kohlmann, at breakfast, and requested him to accompany me.

From Project Gutenberg

Omne vafer vitium ridenti Flaccus amicoTangit, et admissus circum præcordia ludit.

From Project Gutenberg

The latter had a large comitatus of his own: magnum numerum equitatus suo sumptu semper alere et circum se habere (I 18).

From Project Gutenberg

At noon satisfactory sets of circum-meridional altitudes were obtained with two good sextants.

From Project Gutenberg

“Omne vafer vitium ridenti Flaccus amico Tangit, et admissus circum præcordia ludit,” &c.

From Project Gutenberg