concentric
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
- concentrically adverb
- concentricity noun
- nonconcentric adjective
- nonconcentrical adjective
- nonconcentrically adverb
- nonconcentricity noun
- unconcentric adjective
- unconcentrically adverb
Etymology
Origin of concentric
1350–1400; Middle English consentrik < Medieval Latin concentricus. See con-, center, -ic
Explanation
Concentric describes something, like circles, that have a common center. Concentric is from the Latin word concentricus, from com ("together") plus centrum ("center" or "circle"). So, concentric things have a center in common. If you play darts, you aim for the smallest red dot of those colorful concentric circles. Although it's usually used to describe circles, ideas can also be concentric if they have a common point, such as when your dreams revolve around a concentric theme of flying. The opposite word is eccentric ("not having a common center") like that oddball neighbor you have nothing in common with.
Vocabulary lists containing concentric
100 SAT words Beginning with "C"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Divergent
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Bless Me, Ultima
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The monitor had been designed with screws in the back that had 25 concentric circles machined into their flat heads to make them sparkle as light passed over them.
From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026
Supporters of that idea pointed to its round shape, central peak, and surrounding concentric faults, which are often seen in known impact craters.
From Science Daily • Mar. 11, 2026
The frolicking angels populate concentric bands of other clouds that extend upward.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026
In later scenes, when the Shakers are established and actively recruiting in America, the worshipers march in straight lines and concentric circles, all while lightly tapping their shoulders, crossing their arms and looking straight ahead.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 2, 2025
Imagine you are standing at the dead centre of a merry-go-round on which the horses are arranged in three concentric circles.
From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
