small circle

American  

noun

1. a circle on a sphere, the plane of which does not pass through the center of the sphere.

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small circle British  

noun

1. a circular section of a sphere that does not contain the centre of the sphere Compare great circle

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Etymology

Origin of small circle

First recorded in 1870–75

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

small circle

Without direct access to the small circle of migrant potters who knew these methods, Tampa Bay residents would have had little opportunity to learn them.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 6, 2026

Apart from her, only a small circle knows where he will be even two hours ahead.

From Barron's ● Jun. 10, 2026

Powell himself hasn’t signaled which way he is leaning, and the small circle of advisers and friends who might know are declining to discuss it.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 27, 2026

The Justice Department says that Van Dyke “participated in the planning and execution of the U.S. military operation,” leaving him in the small circle of humans who could blow the secret.

From Slate ● Apr. 24, 2026

Izzy stood up and paced a small circle around them.

From "Shadowshaper" by Daniel José Older

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