The circumference of a circle, place, or round object is the distance around its edge.
...a scientist calculating the Earth's circumference.
The island is 3.5 km in circumference.
2. uncountable noun
The circumference of a circle, place, or round object is its edge.
Cut the salmon into long strips and wrap it round the circumference of the bread. [+ of]
More Synonyms of circumference
circumference in British English
(səˈkʌmfərəns)
noun
1.
the boundary of a specific area or geometric figure, esp of a circle
2.
the length of a closed geometric curve, esp of a circle. The circumference of a circle is equal to the diameter multiplied by π
Derived forms
circumferential (səˌkʌmfəˈrɛnʃəl)
adjective
circumferentially (cirˌcumferˈentially)
adverb
Word origin
C14: from Old French circonference, from Latin circumferre to carry around, from circum- + ferre to bear
circumference in American English
(sərˈkʌmfərəns; sərˈkʌmfrəns)
noun
1.
the line bounding a circle, a rounded surface, or an area suggesting a circle
2.
the distance measured by this line
SYNONYMY NOTE: circumference refers to the line bounding a circle or any approximately circular or ellipticalarea; , perimeter extends the meaning to a line bounding any area, as a triangle, square, or polygon;, periphery, in its literal sense identical with , perimeter, is more frequently used of the edge of a physical object or in an extended metaphoricsense [the periphery of understanding]; circuit now usually refers to a traveling around a periphery [the moon's circuit of the earth]; compass refers literally to an area within specific limits but is often used figuratively[the compass of the city, the compass of freedom]