GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found 2 definitions 

  1.       

    Circular , a. [L. circularis, fr. circulus circle: cf. F. circulaire. See Circle.]
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    1. In the form of, or bounded by, a circle; round.
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    2. repeating itself; ending in itself; reverting to the point of beginning; hence, illogical; inconclusive; as, circular reasoning.
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    3. Adhering to a fixed circle of legends; cyclic; hence, mean; inferior. See Cyclic poets, under Cyclic.
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      Had Virgil been a circular poet, and closely adhered to history, how could the Romans have had Dido?
      Dennis.

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    4. Addressed to a circle, or to a number of persons having a common interest; circulated, or intended for circulation; as, a circular letter.
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      A proclamation of Henry III., . . . doubtless circular throughout England.
      Hallam.

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    5. Perfect; complete. [Obs.]
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      A man so absolute and circular
      In all those wished-for rarities that may take
      A virgin captive.
      Massinger.

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      Circular are, any portion of the circumference of a circle. -- Circular cubics (Math.), curves of the third order which are imagined to pass through the two circular points at infinity. -- Circular functions. (Math.) See under Function. -- Circular instruments, mathematical instruments employed for measuring angles, in which the graduation extends round the whole circumference of a circle, or 360°. -- Circular lines, straight lines pertaining to the circle, as sines, tangents, secants, etc. -- Circular note or Circular letter. (a) (Com.) See under Credit. (b) (Diplomacy) A letter addressed in identical terms to a number of persons. -- Circular numbers (Arith.), those whose powers terminate in the same digits as the roots themselves; as 5 and 6, whose squares are 25 and 36. Bailey. Barlow. -- Circular points at infinity (Geom.), two imaginary points at infinite distance through which every circle in the plane is, in the theory of curves, imagined to pass. -- Circular polarization. (Min.) See under Polarization. -- Circular sailing or Globular sailing (Naut.), the method of sailing by the arc of a great circle. -- Circular saw. See under Saw.
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  2.       

    Circular, n. [Cf. (for sense 1) F. circulaire, lettre circulaire. See Circular, a.]
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    1. A circular letter, or paper, usually printed, copies of which are addressed or given to various persons; as, a business circular.
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    2. A sleeveless cloak, cut in circular form.
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