circulated

Circulated is the past participle of circulate, meaning to move through a system, or to distribute widely. It describes something that has been moved or shared so that it is in circulation or available to others. The term is used across many fields to convey both physical movement and the spread of information or goods.

In biology, blood and other fluids circulate through the body's vessels; when they have circulated, they have completed their path through the system.

In economics and everyday life, currency circulates among people and institutions; notes and coins are said to be in circulation when they are actively used.

In publishing and administration, documents, proposals, or memos are circulated when they are distributed for review, comment, or information.

As an adjective, circulated describes items that have been distributed widely: circulated editions, circulated copies.

Usage note: circulated emphasizes completion of the distribution process rather than ongoing movement.

Etymology: from Latin circulare meaning to go around; English circulate and circulated share the same root.