circoncire

to circumcise

verb seer-kohn-SEER Rare

Origin: Latin circumcidere (to cut around)

Usage Note

Circoncire is an irregular -ire verb; the past participle is circoncis. It refers to the surgical or ritual removal of the foreskin. The related noun is circoncision (f), and the past participle circoncis is used both medically and in religious contexts.

Examples

"Le rituel prescrit de circoncire les enfants à huit jours."

Natural Translation

The ritual prescribes circumcising children at eight days old.

Related Words

Explore French by topic

FrenchNow

How to Pronounce the French R (Step by Step)

The French R is a back-of-the-throat sound, not a rolled R. Learn the exact tongue position and a step-by-step drill to build it from sounds you already make.

June 4, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

French Silent Letters: The CaReFuL Rule

Final consonants in French are silent by default — except C, R, F, L. The CaReFuL rule, the silent -e, the plural-s trap, and liaison, explained simply.

June 4, 2026 5 min read

FrenchNow

French Noun Gender: Rules to Guess Right 80%

Guess French noun gender right 80% of the time using word endings: -age, -ment, -eau are masculine; -tion, -té, -ette are feminine. A high-yield system.

June 3, 2026 5 min read

FrenchNow

Tu vs Vous: When to Use Each in French

Tu vs vous in French: use tu for one friend, family, or child, and vous for strangers, elders, your boss, and any group. A clear etiquette guide.

June 3, 2026 6 min read