Circoli

Circoli is the Italian plural noun for circolo, meaning circle or ring. The term is used in mathematics to refer to a geometric circle and also in everyday language to denote groups of people formed around shared interests. Etymologically, circolo derives from Latin circulus, a diminutive form meaning a small circle, and by extension a group or association formed among people.

In geometry, a circle is the set of all points at a fixed distance, called the radius, from a given point, the center, lying in a plane. The circumference equals 2πr, while the area equals πr^2. The circle is distinguished from the disk, which includes its interior, and from the concept of a line or arc, depending on the context.

In social and cultural usage, circoli refer to clubs, associations, or meeting places where people gather for cultural, recreational, or political purposes. Common types include circolo culturale (cultural circle or club), circolo sportivo (sports club), and circolo ricreativo (recreational circle). Circoli may be independently organized entities or affiliated with schools, municipalities, or larger organizations. In certain historical periods, the term circulated in political life as a description of local groups that discussed ideas or coordinated activities. Today, circoli continue to function as community hubs, from book circles and science clubs to neighborhood associations.