cir-cle (sūr'kuhl)  n., v. <-cled, -cling>
              n. 
                  1.  a closed plane curve consisting of all 
                       points at a given distance from a point 
                       within it called the center.
                  2.  the portion of a plane bounded by such a 
                       curve.
                  3.  any circular or ringlike object, 
                       formation, or arrangement: a circle of 
                       dancers.
                  4.  a ring, circlet, or crown.
                  5.  the ring of a circus.
                  6.  a section of seats in a theater. Compare 
                       DRESS CIRCLE, FAMILY CIRCLE (def. 2).
                  7.  the area within which something acts, 
                       exerts influence, etc.; realm; sphere: a 
                       wide circle of influence.
                  8.  a series ending where it began or forming 
                       a connected whole; cycle.
                  9.  an argument ostensibly proving a 
                       conclusion but actually assuming the 
                       conclusion as a premise; vicious circle.
                10.  a number of persons bound by a common tie; 
                       coterie: a circle of friends.
                11.  an administrative division, esp. of a 
                       province.
                12.  a parallel of latitude.
                13.  a sphere or orb: the circle of the earth.
              v.t. 
                14.  to enclose in a circle; encircle: Circle 
                       the correct answer.
                15.  to rotate or revolve around: He circled 
                       the house cautiously.
                16.  to bypass; evade: The ship carefully 
                       circled the iceberg.
              v.i. 
                17.  to move in a circle or circuit.
             Idiom
                18.  <come full circle>.
                       a.  to find oneself, after a series of 
                            events, back where one started.
                       b.  to reverse one's opinion.
             [1275-1325; ME cercle < OF < L circulus = circ 
             (us) (see CIRCUS) + -ulus - ULE]
   Derived words
             --cir'cler, n.