concentric

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   having the same center, as two or more circles, spheres, or rings

   The stone dropped into the pond and produced a series of concentric ripples.

2. 2
   adj

   describing a muscle action in which the muscle shortens while producing force

   Lifting the weight involves a concentric contraction of the biceps.

From Middle English concentrik, through French concentrique and Medieval Latin concentricus, formed from Latin con-, 'together,' + centrum, 'center.' Its literal sense is 'sharing a center.'

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