Meaning & Definition of word "Circumference"

Circumference

/sərˈkʌmfərəns/

noun:

  • 1. The distance around the edge of a circle or a round object.
    • Example: The circumference of the circle was measured to be 31.4 centimeters.
  • 2. The perimeter or border of a circular object.
    • Example: To find the circumference of the pond, we used a measuring tape.
  • 3. In geometry, the term is often used in calculations involving circles.
    • Example: Students calculated the circumference of several different circles during their math lesson.
  • 4. The outer boundary of an area or object.
    • Example: We walked the entire circumference of the ancient fortress.

Etymology

From Latin 'circumferentia', from 'circum' meaning 'around' and 'ferre' meaning 'to carry'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

circumference of a circle:

The total distance around the circle, which can be calculated using the formula C = πd or C = 2πr.

to draw a circumference:

To create a circle defined by its perimeter.

Related Words

radius:

The distance from the center of the circle to any point on its circumference.

diameter:

A straight line passing from side to side through the center of a circle.

Slang Meanings of circumference

Meaning: A term used informally to refer to someone's waist size.

Example Sentence: He's been hitting the gym, trying to reduce his circumference.