What does "circulation" mean?

1. (blood or air movement) the movement of blood around your body or air around a room. 2. (money or items in use) the movement of money or information from one person to another.

circulation

US //ˈsɝkjəˌɫeɪʃən// UK //sˌɜːkjʊlˈeɪʃən// cir·cu·la·tion

1 blood or air movement (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

the movement of blood around your body or air around a room.

the continuous movement of blood through the heart and blood vessels, or the movement of air or water through a space or system.

Example

Exercise is a great way to improve your blood circulation.

Example

Poor air circulation in the old office building led to complaints about the stuffy atmosphere and rising temperatures during the summer months.
- flow
- movement
- stagnation
- blockage
2 money or items in use (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal

the movement of money or information from one person to another.

the state of being in use or being passed from person to person, particularly regarding currency or public information.

Example

The government decided to take the old coins out of circulation.

Example

Several forged banknotes were discovered in general circulation, prompting a warning from the central bank to local retailers.
- distribution
- currency
- withdrawal

Origin

From Middle English circulacioun, from Latin circulatio. Morphologically circulate + -ion.