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cir·cuit  (sûrkĭt)
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Tweet n. 1. a. A closed, usually circular line that goes around an object or area. See Synonyms at circumference. b. The region enclosed by such a line. 2. a. A path or route the complete traversal of which without local change of direction requires returning to the starting point. b. The act of following such a path or route. c. A journey made on such a path or route. 3. Electronics a. A closed path followed or capable of being followed by an electric current. b. A configuration of electrically or electromagnetically connected components or devices. 4. a. A regular or accustomed course from place to place; a round: a salesperson on the Detroit–Minneapolis–Chicago circuit; a popular speaker on the lecture circuit. b. The area covered by such a course, especially by the judge or judges of a court. 5. a. An association of theaters in which plays, acts, or films move from theater to theater for presentation. b. A group of nightclubs, show halls, or resorts at which entertainers appear in turn. c. A series of competitions held in different places. intr. & tr.v. cir·cuit·ed, cir·cuit·ing, cir·cuits To make a circuit or circuit of. [Middle English, circumference, from Old French, from Latin circuitus, a going around, from past participle of circumīre, to go around : circum-, circum- + īre, to go; see ei- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]  (click for a larger image) circuittop: Bulbs in a series circuit are dim because electricity has to pass through every bulb in the circuit before returning to the battery. bottom: Bulbs in a parallel circuit shine brightly because each bulb has its own circuit that connects directly to the battery. |
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