circularize

verb

cir·​cu·​lar·​ize ˈsər-kyə-lə-ˌrīz How to pronounce circularize (audio)
circularized; circularizing

transitive verb

1
a
: to send circulars to
b
: to poll by questionnaire
2
3
: to make circular
circularization noun

Examples of circularize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
That torque is provided by Saturn itself, which has tides that tend to circularize and flatten all the orbits of the moons, confining them to the planet's equatorial plane. Phil Plait, Discover Magazine, 28 June 2011 Once separated, the satellites will use onboard propulsion systems to circularize their orbits at 35,900 km above the equator. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 30 Sep. 2022 That requires the spacecraft to use its own propulsion resources to circularize at an operational altitude over the equator. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 10 Dec. 2021 Two rocket firings were required to circularize the orbit at an altitude of 357 miles, 100 miles above the International Space Station. William Harwood, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of circularize was in 1848

Dictionary Entries Near circularize

Cite this Entry

“Circularize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circularize. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

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