concentric

adjective

con·​cen·​tric kən-ˈsen-trik How to pronounce concentric (audio)
ˌkän-
1
: having a common center
concentric circles
the concentric layers of the wedding cake
2
: having a common axis : coaxial
concentrically
kən-ˈsen-tri-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce concentric (audio)
ˌkän-
adverb
concentricity
ˌkän-ˌsen-ˈtri-sə-tē How to pronounce concentric (audio)
noun

Examples of concentric in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Earth's shadow is divided into two concentric cones that are only visible during the brief window of a lunar eclipse. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 24 Aug. 2026 All of this spins out from the White House in a series of concentric circles. — Robin Givhan, Vanity Fair, 19 Aug. 2026 Mussel shells can be smooth or ribbed with concentric ridges. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Aug. 2026 The two prescriptions would be arranged in concentric rings, alternating outward as though from a bull’s-eye. — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for concentric

Word History

Etymology

Middle English consentrik, from Medieval Latin concentricus, from Latin com- + centrum center

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of concentric was in 1578

Rhymes for concentric

See All Rhymes for concentric

Browse Nearby Words

concentrator
concentric
concentric bundle
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Concentric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/concentric. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

concentric

adjective
con·​cen·​tric kən-ˈsen-trik How to pronounce concentric (audio)
(ˈ)kän-
: having a common center
concentric circles

Medical Definition

concentric

adjective
con·​cen·​tric kən-ˈsen-trik, (ˈ)kän- How to pronounce concentric (audio)
: having a common center
concentric circles
concentrically
-tri-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce concentric (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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