Circumferentially

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a fashion that pertains to the outer limits or edge of an item
2. Done in a way that encompasses the perimeter or outlines of a shape
3. In a manner relating to the outer boundary or perimeter of an object

Etymology: "Circumferentially" is a plain formation: the adjective "circumferential" with the adverbial ending "-ly" added. The adjective comes from "circumference," the boundary line around a circle or other rounded shape, which traces back through Latin "circumferentia," from "circumferre" ("to carry around"), built from "circum" ("around") and "ferre" ("to bear, carry"). The ending is the more interesting part. "-ly" descends from Old English "-līce," which was itself a suffix meaning "in the manner of" or "in the form of," as in "godlīce," "in a godly way." Over the centuries this ending became the standard way to turn adjectives into adverbs, and in Middle English it had shortened to "-ly." Today it is attached to almost any adjective that can describe a manner, so "circumferential" simply follows that pattern. The result means "in a way that concerns the outer edge or perimeter of something."

Synonyms: peripherally, around