circumference noun The distance around a circle. We wrapped a string around the lid to estimate its circumference. + circumstance noun A fact or condition connected to an event or situation that influences it or gives it context. Given the circumstances, canceling the trip seemed like the wisest decision. + circumstantial adjective Based on details that suggest something without directly proving it, especially in a legal context. The jury convicted him largely on circumstantial evidence, since no witness saw the crime. + circumstantiate verb To support a claim or account with specific details or evidence. The witness was able to circumstantiate her story with dates, names, and receipts. + circumnavigate verb To travel all the way around something, especially the entire earth or an island, by sea or air. Magellan's crew was the first to circumnavigate the globe, though he himself died along the way. + circumnavigation noun The act of traveling all the way around something, especially sailing or flying around the entire Earth. Magellan's expedition completed the first circumnavigation of the globe in the sixteenth century. + circumvent verb To find a clever way of avoiding a difficulty, rule, or obstacle, often by going around it. The company restructured its finances to circumvent the new import tax. + circumvention noun The act of finding a way around a rule, law, or difficulty, often to avoid its intended effect. The new regulation was designed to stop circumvention of existing safety standards. + circumspect adjective Careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences before acting or speaking. The lawyer remained circumspect, refusing to comment until she had reviewed every document. + circumspection noun Careful consideration of possible consequences before acting; caution and prudence. The negotiator handled the sensitive talks with great circumspection. + circumscribe verb To restrict or limit something within certain bounds, or to draw a line enclosing a shape. New regulations sharply circumscribed what the agency was allowed to investigate. + circumscription noun The act of limiting or restricting something, or the boundary that marks such a limit. The new law resulted in the circumscription of several previously unrestricted business practices. + circumlocution noun The use of many indirect words to express something that could be said more simply and directly. His answer was full of circumlocution, and he never actually admitted the mistake. + circumcise verb To surgically remove the foreskin from a penis, often for religious, cultural, or medical reasons. Many families choose to circumcise their newborn sons shortly after birth. + circumcision noun The surgical removal of the foreskin, performed for religious, cultural, or medical reasons. Circumcision is a longstanding religious practice in Judaism and Islam. + circumpolar adjective Located around, or occurring near, the North or South Pole. Circumpolar winds shape much of the weather across the Arctic region. + circumsolar adjective Surrounding or orbiting the sun. The telescope tracked debris in a circumsolar orbit near the planet's path. + circumambulate verb To walk around something, especially as part of a ritual or ceremony. Pilgrims circumambulate the temple three times before entering to pray. + circumambulation noun The act of walking around something, especially as a religious or ceremonial practice. Circumambulation of the shrine is an important part of the pilgrimage. + circumflex noun A diacritical mark, shaped like a small peak (^), placed over a letter in certain languages. The circumflex over the o in hotel signals a historical missing letter in French spelling. + circumduction noun A circular movement of a limb or joint, such as the shoulder or hip, tracing a cone-like path. The physical therapist asked him to perform gentle circumduction of the injured shoulder. + circumfluent adjective Flowing or winding around something, typically used in literary description of water. The poem describes a circumfluent stream winding gently around the old mill. + circumjacent adjective Lying on all sides of something; surrounding. The circumjacent farmland stretched for miles around the small village. + circumfuse verb To pour or spread something around an object, or to surround it as if with a liquid or light. The sunset seemed to circumfuse the valley in a warm golden light. +