n.
 (pl. circuses)
    - a travelling company of acrobats, clowns, and other entertainers which gives performances typically in a large tent.
 - (in ancient Rome) a circular or oval sporting arena lined with tiers of seats.
 - informal a scene of lively activity.
 - Brit. a circular open space in a town where several streets converge:
 Piccadilly Circus.
 
 
  Etymology
  ME: from L., ‘ring or circus’.