The meaning of CIRCUM- is around : about. How to use circum- in a sentence.

From Latin circum “around” (accusative of circus; circus, circle ), originally as an adverb fixed in relation to the verb, later construed as a prefix. Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words …

The prefix circum-, which means “around,” is featured in several commonly used English words. For example, circum stances are those things in life that are standing “around” you at any given time.

Definition of 'circum-' circum- in British English prefix around; surrounding; on all sides

a prefix with the meaning “round about, around,” found in Latin loanwords, esp. derivatives of verbs that had the general sense “to encompass or surround” (circumference; circumstance) or “to go around” …

Circum- definition: Around; about.

circum- word-forming element meaning "around, round about, all around, on all sides," from Latin adverb and preposition circum "around, round about," literally "in a circle," probably accusative form of circus …

circum-, prefix meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary

Definition of circum- prefix in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Dec 26, 2025 · Latin Etymology Combining form of circum (“round about”, “in a circle around”, adverb and preposition).