Orbiculares

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ɔɹˌbɪk.jəˈlɛɹˌiz/

Definitions

1. Relating to a circular or orb-like shape, particularly when describing muscles or anatomical structures that encircle an opening
2. Characterizing a form that is round and often symmetrical, commonly used in biological or artistic contexts
3. Describing elements that are spherical or circular in nature, especially in reference to their functional or structural role in anatomy or design

Etymology: "Orbiculares" is the plural form of "orbicularis," an adjective meaning shaped like rings. The singular "orbicularis" was borrowed into English from New Latin, where it was a shortened form of the phrase "musculus orbicularis," meaning "orbicular muscle." That name describes muscles that encircle an opening, such as the ring of muscle around the eye or mouth, which contract in a circle to close the opening. The word is a doublet of "orbicular," the older English adjective that came straight from classical Latin "orbicularis," from "orbiculus," a little disc or ring, diminutive of "orbis," circle. The two forms reached English by separate routes, one through learned anatomical Latin and the other through the general vocabulary, so they carry the same sense in slightly different settings.