The correct spelling of the phrase "out circulation" is /aʊt ˌsɜː.kjʊˈleɪ.ʃən/. The first word, "out," is pronounced with the diphthong /aʊ/, which sounds like the vowel sound in "house." The second word, "circulation," has the stress on the third syllable and is pronounced with the vowel sound /ɜː/, as in the word "her." The final syllable is pronounced with the sh sound /ʃ/ and the schwa sound /ən/. This phrase is often used to describe something that is no longer in circulation or has been removed from circulation.
"Out of circulation" refers to something that is no longer in active use or circulation. It is commonly used in the context of currency, books, or other items that were once readily available but are now rare or unavailable.
In terms of currency, when a specific banknote or coin is deemed to be out of circulation, it means that it is no longer accepted as legal tender or used as a means of payment. Usually, this occurs when a new series of banknotes or coins is released with updated designs or security features, rendering the old ones obsolete. Out of circulation currency may still be exchanged at banks or government institutions, but it is generally no longer used as a medium of exchange.
Similarly, books or other reading materials can go out of circulation when they are no longer being printed or published. This could be due to factors such as low demand, outdated information, or limited availability. Out of circulation books may still exist in libraries, personal collections, or second-hand markets, but they are considered uncommon or harder to find.
In a broader sense, "out of circulation" can also refer to items or entities that have been removed or withdrawn from general use or mainstream attention. This might include discontinued products, retired celebrities, or historical events that are no longer actively discussed or relevant in contemporary society.
The term "out of circulation" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two separate words: "out" and "circulation". However, we can look at the etymology of these individual words.
1. "Out" comes from the Old English word "ūt" which means "out" or "outside". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "ūt" and has cognates in several Germanic languages.
2. "Circulation" comes from the Latin word "circulatio", which is derived from the verb "circulare" meaning "to go round in a circle". It entered the English language through Old French and Middle English.
When combined, "out of circulation" refers to something being removed or taken out from the act or process of circulation.