Search the Dictionary

Semblance, or apparent likeness; external show. pl. Outward signs, or circumstances, fitted to make a particular impression or to determine the judgment as to the character of a person or a thing, an act or a state; as, appearances are against him. There was upon the tabernacle, as it were, the appearance of fire. Num.…

n appointed. The commission authorizes them to make appointments, and pay the appointees. Circular of Mass. Representatives (1768).

A projecting part of a building, esp. of a church, having in the plan a polygonal or semicircular termination, and, most often, projecting from the east end. In early churches the Eastern apse was occupied by seats for the bishop and clergy. Hence:

A portion of a curved line; as, the arc of a circle or of an ellipse.

l or other weight above an opening. In this sense arches are segmental, round (i. e., semicircular), or pointed.

An instrument for drawing a circular arc without the use of a central point; a cyclograph.

under, the northern constellation called the Bear; northern; frigid; as, the arctic pole, circle, region, ocean; an arctic expedition, night, temperature.

le (Math.), that in which the unit angle has its measuring arc equal to the radius of the circle.

A small inclosed area; esp. one of the small spaces on the wings of insects, circumscribed by the veins.

A lamp with a circular hollow wick and glass chimney which allow a current of air both inside and outside of the flame. Argand burner, a burner for an Argand lamp, or a gas burner in which the principle of that lamp is applied.

on used to connect the two poles of a magnet, or electro-magnet, in order to complete the circuit, or to receive and apply the magnetic force. In the ordinary horseshoe magnet, it serves to prevent the dissipation of the magnetic force.

Pertaining to, or resembling, a bracelet or ring; consisting of rings or circles. Armillary sphere, an ancient astronomical machine composed of an assemblage of rings, all circles of the same sphere, designed to represent the positions of the important circles of the celestial sphere. Nichol.

In a circle; circularly; on every side; round.

A convex molding of rounded surface, generally from half to three quarters of a circle.

A stereographic projection of the sphere on the plane of a great circle, as the equator, or a meridian; a planisphere. Whewell.

A kind of chætopod larva in which no circles of cilia are developed.

scribe or attribute; to affix; -- with to; as, to attach great importance to a particular circumstance. Top this treasure a curse is attached. Bayard Taylor.

An attendant circumstance. [Obs.] The uncomfortable attendments of hell. Sir T. Browne.

The circle of rays, or halo of light, with which painters surround the figure and represent the glory of Christ, saints, and others held in special reverence.

A circle of feathers surrounding the opening of the ear of birds.