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Glite Dictionary
circumduction

circumduction

9.9
A circular movement of an arm, leg, or eye where the far end moves and the near end stays still
  • noun
  • /ˌsɜrkəmˈdʌkʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : circunducción
  • During physical therapy, she practiced circumduction to improve her shoulder mobility.

Examples

  • Motions may be unloaded in multiple directions, including circumduction.

    Academic text (1997)

  • The doctor explained that circumduction of the arm is essential for reaching movements.

  • He demonstrated circumduction with his wrist, showing how the hand can move in a circular motion.

Synonyms

circumvolution
vscircumduction
  • Specialized
9.9

A twist or coil around a middle point, like a spiral staircase

is a specific limb or eye motion with far end circling and near end fixed

How Circular

rotation
54 2.8
circumduction
  • Specialized
9.9
arc
73 3.2
swing
109 1.0

Surface Forms

circumduction singular
circumductions plural

Morphology

circumduction = circumduct (semi-transparent) = circum + duct + ion

The formation from the verb 'circumduct' + '-ion' is regular, but the verb and the prefix 'circum-' are specialized anatomical/Latinate morphemes that may be unfamiliar to many learners.

Etymology

Circumduction comes from the Latin parts circum- meaning 'around' and ducere meaning 'to lead'. So, like the word conduct (which also means 'to lead'), circumduction is 'leading around' a limb or the eye, which is why it means a circular movement.