concentric

American  

[kuhn-sen-trik] / kənˈsɛn trɪk /

Also concentrical

adjective

1. having a common center, as circles or spheres.

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concentric British  

/ kənˈsɛntrɪk, ˌkɒnsənˈtrɪsɪtɪ /

adjective

1. having a common centre Compare eccentric

   concentric circles

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Other Word Forms

• concentricity
  noun
• nonconcentricity
  noun
• nonconcentric
  adjective
• nonconcentrical
  adjective
• unconcentric
  adjective
• concentrically
  adverb
• nonconcentrically
  adverb
• 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.