Circuit

Definition

Circuit refers to a closed loop or path through which an electric current can flow. It can also describe a regular route or journey around a particular area or a series of events or places. In legal terms, a circuit refers to a judicial division or the journey of a judge through a particular district to hear cases.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsɜːrkɪt/
• Respelling: SUR-kit

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsɜːkɪt/
• Respelling: SUR-kit

Etymology

The word "circuit" comes from the Latin word "circuitus," meaning "a going around," from the verb "circuire" or "circumire," which means "to go around." The term entered the English language in the 14th century and has been used in various contexts, including electrical, judicial, and geographical circuits.

Derivatives

• Circuitry (noun)
• Circuitous (adjective)
• Circuital (adjective)
• Recircuit (verb)
• Circuiting (verb)

Synonyms

• Loop
• Route
• Course

Antonyms

• Disconnection
• Interruption
• Separation

Usage

The term "circuit" is widely used in different fields. In electronics, it refers to the arrangement of interconnected electrical components, such as in "a simple electrical circuit." In sports, a circuit describes a regular series of events or locations, such as "the Formula One racing circuit." In the judicial system, it refers to a judge's jurisdiction or regular rounds, as in "the judge is on the circuit court this week."

Related Terms

• Current: The flow of electric charge in a circuit.
• Connection: The act of linking or joining components within a system.
• Network: A system of interconnected elements or nodes, often used in technology and communication.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• An arrangement of electrical components forming a closed loop: Refers to an electrical path through which current flows.
  • Example: "The light bulb won't work because the circuit is incomplete."
• A regular journey or route around a specific area: Describes a repeated path or a scheduled series of stops or events.
  • Example: "The bus follows the same circuit around the city every day."
• A judicial division or the path of a judge: Refers to the geographical area or legal cases handled by a judge during specific rounds.
  • Example: "He was assigned to the southern circuit for this quarter."