circumference
cir.cum.fer.ence \s*(r)-'k*m(p)-f*rn(t)s, -f(*-)r*n(t)s\
\-.k*m(p)-f*-'ren-ch*l\ n [ME, fr. MF, fr. L circumferentia, fr.
circumferre to carry around,] fr. circum- + ferre to carry - more at BEAR
1: the perimeter of a circle 2: the external boundary or surface of a
figure or object : PERIPHERY)M, COMPASS mean a continuous line enclosing an
area. CIRCUMFERENCE and PERIMETER apply to the line enclosing a circle or
ellipse and therefore also to the closed curve marking the section of a
sphere or cylinder; PERIMETER applies additionally to the bounding line of
any area or the bounding surface of a solid; PERIPHERY applies to the
circular area lying near the actual bordering line of an area regarded as
approximately round; CIRCUIT applies to a journey or route around a
periphery or, broadly, to any path that returns to its starting point;
COMPASS applies to the range or extent of the area enclosed by a circle or
figuratively to the field or aggregate embraced by any general principle -
cir.cum.fer.en.tial aj SYN syn CIRCUMFERENCE, PERIMETER, PERIPHERY, CIRCUIT