Circulation: meaning, definitions and examples

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circulation

 

[ ˌsɜːk.jəˈleɪ.ʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

financial

The continuous movement of money and goods in an economy.

Synonyms

flow, movement, transfer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
circulation

This is a repetition, and its uses are the same as above.

  • Make sure the circulation of the brochure reaches all target audiences.
flow

Used to describe the smooth movement of liquids, electricity, data, or even traffic. It often suggests a continuous, steady motion.

  • The flow of the river is very calm today.
  • We need to ensure that data flow is uninterrupted.
  • The traffic flow improved after the new signals were installed.
movement

Generally used to describe a change in position or location, either slowly or quickly. It can also refer to large-scale social or political changes.

  • The movement of the clouds was mesmerizing.
  • There was a historical movement for civil rights in the 1960s.
  • His movement indicated he was a skilled dancer.
transfer

Often used when something is moved from one place to another, especially in formal, business, or technical contexts. Can refer to money, files, ownership, or people.

  • The transfer of funds will take place tomorrow.
  • Please transfer the files to the shared drive.
  • She requested a transfer to the New York office.

Examples of usage

  • The circulation of currency plays a crucial role in the stability of the economy.
  • The circulation of goods between countries is essential for global trade.
Context #2 | Noun

medical

The movement of blood through the body, controlled by the heart and blood vessels.

Synonyms

blood flow, cardiovascular system, perfusion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
circulation

Circulation is a general term that refers to the movement of blood through the heart and blood vessels. It's used to describe the overall process of the blood moving around the body.

  • Good circulation is vital for health
  • Smoking can negatively affect your circulation
blood flow

Blood flow refers specifically to the movement of blood through the body's blood vessels. It is often used when discussing the amount and speed of blood that moves to specific areas of the body.

  • The doctor is concerned about the blood flow to his brain
  • Exercise can improve blood flow
cardiovascular system

The cardiovascular system refers to the system in the body that includes the heart and blood vessels, responsible for circulating blood and transporting nutrients, oxygen, and waste products.

  • Regular exercise is essential for a healthy cardiovascular system
  • Diseases of the cardiovascular system can be serious
perfusion

Perfusion describes the passage of fluid, typically blood, through the blood vessels of an organ or tissue. Often used in a medical setting to discuss the supply of oxygen to tissues.

  • The patient is experiencing decreased perfusion in his limbs
  • Good perfusion is necessary for cell survival

Examples of usage

  • Healthy circulation is vital for delivering oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body.
  • Poor circulation can lead to cold hands and feet.
Context #3 | Noun

publication

The distribution of newspapers, magazines, or books to the public.

Synonyms

dissemination, distribution, spread.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
circulation

Used when talking about the flow or movement of something, like blood in the body, people in a space, or the distribution of newspapers.

  • The circulation of blood is crucial for good health
  • The magazine increased its circulation by 20% this year
distribution

Commonly used to describe the act of giving out goods, resources, or information to a group of people.

  • The distribution of vaccines is a high priority
  • The company handles the distribution of its products through various channels
dissemination

Often used in more formal or academic settings to talk about the spreading of information or knowledge.

  • The dissemination of research findings is essential for scientific progress
  • Effective dissemination of public health messages can prevent diseases
spread

Used to talk about something expanding or growing over a larger area, and can have a negative connotation when referring to disease or misinformation.

  • The spread of the virus showed no signs of slowing down
  • The news of the merger quickly spread across the industry

Examples of usage

  • The newspaper has a wide circulation in the local community.
  • The magazine saw an increase in circulation after the latest issue.

Translations

Translations of the word "circulation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 circulação

🇮🇳 परिसंचरण

🇩🇪 Kreislauf

🇮🇩 sirkulasi

🇺🇦 циркуляція

🇵🇱 cyrkulacja

🇯🇵 循環 (じゅんかん)

🇫🇷 circulation

🇪🇸 circulación

🇹🇷 dolaşım

🇰🇷 순환 (순환)

🇸🇦 دوران

🇨🇿 cirkulace

🇸🇰 cirkulácia

🇨🇳 循环 (xún huán)

🇸🇮 cirkulacija

🇮🇸 rás

🇰🇿 айналым

🇬🇪 ცირკულაცია

🇦🇿 dövriyyə

🇲🇽 circulación

Etymology

The word 'circulation' originated from the Latin word 'circulatio', which means 'a going round'. It first appeared in English in the late 14th century. Over time, the term evolved to encompass various fields such as finance, medicine, and publication. The concept of circulation is fundamental in understanding the continuous flow of resources, fluids, or information in different contexts.

See also: circulatory.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,741, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.