'circular-based' originates from modern English as a compound of 'circular' and 'base', where 'circular' describes a round shape and 'base' denotes a support or foundation.

'circular' comes from Latin 'circulus' (a small ring) via Old French/Medieval Latin into Middle English; 'base' derives from Latin 'basis' via Old French 'base' and Middle English. The two words were combined in modern English to form the descriptive compound 'circular-based'.

Initially, elements referred separately to 'round' and 'foundation'; over time they were combined into a compound adjective meaning 'having a round base' without substantial semantic shift.