Cir"cus (?), n.; pl. Circuses (#). [L. circus circle, ring, circus (in sense 1). See Circle, and cf. Cirque.]

1. (Roman Antiq.) A level oblong space surrounded on three sides by seats of wood, earth, or stone, rising in tiers one above another, and divided lengthwise through the middle by a barrier around which the track or course was laid out. It was used for chariot races, games, and public shows.

&fist; The Circus Maximus at Rome could contain more than 100,000 spectators. Harpers' Latin Dict.

2. A circular inclosure for the exhibition of feats of horsemanship, acrobatic displays, etc. Also, the company of performers, with their equipage.

3. Circuit; space; inclosure. [R.]

The narrow circus of my dungeon wall.
Byron.

• Company that travels around to give shows involving animals, clowns, etc., usually in a circular tent
       The circus will be in town next week.
  
• Round open space in a town or city where multiple streets meet
       Piccadilly Circus in London is at the north end of Regent Street.
  
  Latin
• Ring, circle.