Definition:Circumscribe/Polygon around Polygon

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Definition

A polygon is circumscribed around another polygon when each of its sides passes through each of the vertices of the other polygon.


In the words of Euclid:

Similarly a figure is said to be circumscribed about a figure when the respective sides of the circumscribed figure pass through the respective angles of that about which it is circumscribed.

(The Elements: Book $\text{IV}$: Definition $2$)


Also known as

The more archaic circumscribed without can sometimes be seen, as well as circumscribed outside and circumscribed about.


Also see

The second polygon also can be described as being inscribed in the first polygon.

In the words of Euclid:

A rectilineal figure is said to be inscribed in a rectilineal figure when the respective angles of the inscribed figure lie on the respective sides of that in which it is inscribed.

(The Elements: Book $\text{IV}$: Definition $1$)