circulate (redirected from circulates)

circulate something through something

to route something through something; to make something travel through something. Walter circulated the memo from the boss through the department. I would like for you to circulate this through the members of the club.

See also: through

circulate among someone or something

to move at random within a gathering of people or things. Karen circulated among the guests, serving drinks. The guests circulated among the various rooms in the house.

See also: among

circulate through something 

1. Lit. [for a fluid in a closed system of pipes or tubes] to flow through the various pathways of pipes and tubes. Cold water circulates through the entire building and keeps it cool. Blood circulates through the veins and arteries, reaching all parts of the body.

2. Fig. to move through a group of people or an area, from person to person. Rumors circulated through the department about Tom's retirement. Please circulate through the room and hand out these papers to each person.

See also: through