rhizoverbBeta
DictionarycirculationFlow through a system
noun

circulation

sur-kyuh-LAY-shuhn/ˌsɜːrkjəˈleɪʃn/

Movement around a connected system.

Blood circulation sends blood through an arm's arteries and back through veins.

Blood travels outward through an arm artery and returns through veins.
Etymology
circulLatinsmall ring, circle
+ationLatinaction or process

The 'small ring' image explains why circulation means more than blood simply moving: it moves through a circuit, returning and beginning again. The ending names that recurring process.

In context

Rhesus Medicine1:28
components that affect effect blood circulation are the cardiac output given by the stroke volume multiplied by heart rate and the systemic vascular resistance
Understanding Sepsis (Sepsis Explained Clearly)

More examples

  • The fan improves air circulation throughout the house.
  • Damaged bills were taken out of circulation.
  • The magazine reports a circulation of fifty thousand copies.

Forms

circulation

circulate verb — To move or pass through a system.

circulatory adjective — Relating to the movement of blood.

Similar words

flow
Emphasizes continuous movement, not necessarily movement around a system.
movement
Broader term that does not specify a system or route.