Circular
/ˈsɜːrkjələr/noun
Shaped like or moving in a circle; not direct or straightforward.
Did you know?Its deepest root is the Proto-Indo-European *ker-* meaning “to turn,” a primal idea that also gave English words tied to rotation and recurring motion.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ker-
“to turn, bend, or move in a circular way”
Latin
Latin
circulus
“a small ring or circle”
Latin
Latin
circularis
“of or belonging to a circle; ring-shaped”
Middle French
Old French
circulaire
“circular, round, or in the form of a circle”
Late Middle English
English
circular
“round; moving in a circle; later, indirect or roundabout”
Modern English
English
circular
“having the shape of a circle or moving around a center”