concentric

adjective

con·​cen·​tric kən-ˈsen-trik 

ˌkän-

1

: having a common center

concentric circles

the concentric layers of the wedding cake

2

: having a common axis : coaxial

concentrically

kən-ˈsen-tri-k(ə-)lē 

ˌkän-

adverb

concentricity

ˌkän-ˌsen-ˈtri-sə-tē 

noun

Examples of concentric in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Designed in 1963, it is made from 10 layers of two varieties of wood, one light and one dark, and recessed in the center to form concentric circles. —Joelle Diderich, WWD, 24 Mar. 2025

The new telescope's infrared detectors have to be kept super cold, so the instrument is housed inside three concentric cones atop a set of mirrors that protect it from the Sun's energy and the spacecraft's own heat. —Ari Daniel, NPR, 9 Feb. 2025

Arrange apple slices in two concentric circles overlapping them slightly (start with the outside circle). —Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 11 Mar. 2025

These match the series of large, sculptural screens that surround her in concentric circles, tree ring-like, and are filled with moving digital images created by video designer Hana S. Kim. —Luna Adler, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English consentrik, from Medieval Latin concentricus, from Latin com- + centrum center

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for concentric

• eccentric
• excentric
• afrocentric
• egocentric
• ethnocentric
• eurocentric
• geocentric
• metacentric
• multicentric
• polycentric
• anthropocentric
• heliocentric

Kids Definition

concentric

adjective

con·​cen·​tric kən-ˈsen-trik 

(ˈ)kän-

: having a common center

concentric circles

Medical Definition

concentric

adjective

con·​cen·​tric kən-ˈsen-trik, (ˈ)kän- 

: having a common center

concentric circles

concentrically

-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb