circumference Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the size of something as given by the distance around it
    perimeter.
  2. noun the boundary line encompassing an area or object
    circuit.
    • he had walked the full circumference of his land
    • a danger to all races over the whole circumference of the globe
  3. noun the length of the closed curve of a circle

WordNet

Cir*cum"fer*ence noun
Etymology
L. circumferentia.
Definitions
  1. The line that goes round or encompasses a circular figure; a periphery. Millon.
  2. A circle; anything circular.
    His ponderous shield . . . Behind him cast. The broad circumference Hung on his shoulders like the moon. Milton.
  3. The external surface of a sphere, or of any orbicular body.
Cir*cum"fer*ence transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To include in a circular space; to bound. Obs. Sir T. Browne.

Webster 1913