A circle on the surface of a sphere whose center is not the center of the sphere. Except for the equator, lines of latitude on the sphere of the Earth are examples of small circles. See also great circle

A line formed by the intersection of the surface of a sphere and a plane that does not pass through the center of the sphere. See great circle.

Any circle on a sphere, which is not a great circle, such as, on the Earth, a parallel of latitude other than the Equator, or on the Celestial Sphere, a declination circle other than the Celestial Equator.

a circle on a sphere that is not a great circle

Circle inscribed on a sphere by passing a plane through the sphere but not intersecting its center. (On the earth's surface all parallels of latitude except for the equator are small circles.)

A small circle of a sphere is the circle constructed by a plane crossing the sphere not in its center. Small circles always have smaller diameters than the sphere itself (compare great circle).