small circle

noun

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

small circle

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of small circle¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

As someone who historically had a small circle and struggled to make friends as an adult, Dekermenjian said, “I didn’t realize there’s this part of me that’s wanted this all along.”

From Los Angeles Times

Then he reaches across to the opposite shoulder and draws a small circle, doing the same with the other, as if he’s crossing himself.

From Salon

Why have Democrats been taking advice from the same small circle of people—who were never chosen by voters, are never accountable to them, and haven’t worked in government in decades, if ever—for more than 30 years?

From Slate

I needed enough blood to fill a small circle outlined on a piece of paper.

From Slate

Instead, my small circle of blood had 39—39!—pieces of plastic in it.

From Slate