Definition of: circumscribe

(sûr′kəm·skrīb′) v.t. ·scribed, scrib·ing
1. To draw a line or figure around; encircle.
2. To mark out the limits of; define.
3. To confine within bounds; restrict.
4. Geom. a To surround with or as with a figure that touches at every possible point: to circumscribe a triangle with a circle, b To cause to surround a figure thus: to circumscribe a circle about a triangle. [<L circumscribere <circum- around + scribere write]
—cir′·cum·scrib′a·ble adjective
—cir′cum·scrib′er noun Synonyms: bound, confine, define, delineate, describe, designate, enclose, fence, limit, restrict. See RESTRAIN. Antonyms: dilate, distend, enlarge, expand, open.