Zirkel

Etymology

From Middle High German zirkel, from Old High German zirkil, from Latin circinus (“pair of compasses”), from Ancient Greek κίρκινος (kírkinos). The Old High German -il is due to either alteration after the Germanic tool suffix *-ilaz, or confluence with Latin circulus (“circle”); the -k- speaks in favour of the latter explanation. The sense “circle”, which appears in Middle High German, is at any rate borrowed from circulus. Both Latin words ultimately go back to Ancient Greek κίρκος (kírkos).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈt͡sɪrkəl/, [ˈt͡sɪʁ.kl̩], [ˈt͡sɪɐ̯-], [-kəl]

• Audio:

  (file)

Noun

Zirkel m (strong, genitive Zirkels, plural Zirkel)

1. pair of compasses, compass (device to draw circles)
2. (rare) circle (geometrical figure)

   Synonym: Kreis (much more common)

3. (figurative) circle (group of persons with a common interest)

   Synonym: Kreis

4. monogram of a student society.

Further reading

• “Zirkel” in Duden online
• “Zirkel” in Digitales Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache