The character 循 combines the "step" radical (彳) with 盾 (originally depicting a shield), together conveying the idea of "following a path" or "moving in sequence". The character 环 (環) pictorially represents a circle of jade pieces, embodying the core concept of a "ring" or "cycle". When combined as 循环, the two characters merge their conceptual essences: the continuous, sequential motion of 循 is applied to the circular, closed shape of 环, visually and notionally forming the complete idea of a cyclical process where one stage follows another in an unbroken, repeating loop.