cir·cuit (sûr'kĭt)
n.

1. 1. A closed, usually circular line that goes around an object or area.
   2. The region enclosed by such a line. See synonyms at circumference.
2. 1. A path or route the complete traversal of which without local change of direction requires returning to the starting point.
   2. The act of following such a path or route.
   3. A journey made on such a path or route.
3. Electronics.
   1. A closed path followed or capable of being followed by an electric current.
   2. A configuration of electrically or electromagnetically connected components or devices.
4. 1. 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.
   2. The area or district thus covered, especially a territory under the jurisdiction of a judge in which periodic court sessions are held.
5. 1. An association of theaters in which plays, acts, or films move from theater to theater for presentation.
   2. A group of nightclubs, show halls, or resorts at which entertainers appear in turn.
   3. An association of teams or clubs.
   4. A series of competitions held in different places.

intr. & tr.v., -cuit·ed, -cuit·ing, -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.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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