tr.v. cir·cum·scribed, cir·cum·scrib·ing, cir·cum·scribes 1. To draw a line around; encircle. 2. a. To form or mark the limits of; delineate: The hedge circumscribes the property. b. To limit narrowly; restrict: Their plans were circumscribed by a lack of money. See Synonyms at limit. 3. a. To enclose (a polygon or polyhedron) within a configuration of lines, curves, or surfaces so that every vertex of the enclosed object is incident on the enclosing configuration. b. To erect (such a configuration) around a polygon or polyhedron: circumscribe a circle around a square. [Middle English circumscriben, from Latin circumscrībere : circum-, circum- + scrībere, to write; see skrībh- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] cir′cum·scriba·ble adj. |
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