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

Example Sentences

He is fond of reminding reporters that he prefers to keep his intentions to himself and a small circle of insiders to avoid potential adversaries knowing his next moves.

From BBC

So he joins a slim minority in accusing Rinna, Underwood’s favored Traitor candidate – and the right suspect, finally – risking his trusted place among the small circle of the guilty.

From Salon

William Abrams of the Utility Wildfire Survivor Coalition detailed in a filing how the present laws had been shaped by the utilities and “a small circle of well-resourced legal and financial actors.”

From Los Angeles Times

More than forty paces ahead, in the small circle of light from the lamppost, a dark figure was standing.

From Literature

Sorraya said Eliza learned to speak up a bit and be more assertive and it also calmed worries about keeping a small circle of friends so she could relax into being part of a wider circle, which has helped with her transition to secondary school.

From BBC