Circular

Pronunciation

Origin

From Middle English, from Old French circulier, from Latin circularis, from circulus, diminutive of circus ("ring").

Full definition of circular

Adjective

1. Of or relating to a circle.
2. In the shape of, or moving in a circle.
• 1918, W. B. Maxwell, The Mirror and the Lamp Chapter 5, Here, in the transept and choir, where the service was being held, one was conscious every moment of an increasing brightness; colours glowing vividly beneath the circular chandeliers, and the rows of small lights on the choristers' desks flashed and sparkled in front of the boys' faces, deep linen collars, and red neckbands.
3. Circuitous or roundabout.
4. Referring back to itself, so as to prevent computation or comprehension; infinitely recursive.circular reasoningYour dictionary defines "brave" as "courageous", and "courageous" as "brave". That's a circular definition.a circular formula in a spreadsheet
5. Distributed to a large number of persons.
• Hallama proclamation of Henry III., ... doubtless circular throughout England
6. (obsolete) Perfect; complete.
• MassingerA man so absolute and circular
  In all those wished-for rarities that may take
  A virgin captive.
7. (archaic) Adhering to a fixed circle of legends; cyclic; hence, mean; inferior.
• DennisHad Virgil been a circular poet, and closely adhered to history, how could the Romans have had Dido?

Derived terms

• circular file
• circularity
• circular saw

Related terms

• circle
• semicircular

Noun

1. A printed advertisement, directive, or notice intended for mass distribution; a flyer
2. In administration, a circular letter
3. (dated) A sleeveless cloak, cut in circular form.