hemisphere
UK: ˈhem.ɪ.sfɪər | US: ˈhem.ɪ.sfɪr
n. half of a spherical or roughly spherical object (e.g., the Earth or brain)
n. either of the two halves of the cerebrum (left/right hemisphere)
n. a geographic or cultural division of the world (e.g., Northern Hemisphere)
hemisphere = hemi<half> + sphere<round object>
- hemi: From Greek hēmi- (half), used in English to denote partial or divided forms (e.g., hemicycle, hemiplegia).
- sphere: From Greek sphaira (ball, globe), adopted into Latin as sphaera, later into Old French espere, and finally English sphere.
Etymology Origin:
The word hemisphere emerged in Late Middle English (14th century) via Latin hemisphaerium, combining Greek hēmi- (half) and sphaira (globe). It originally described celestial halves (e.g., the northern sky) and later expanded to terrestrial and anatomical contexts. The morphemes retain their Greek roots’ meanings, making the term logically transparent: "half-sphere."
The Northern Hemisphere experiences winter in December.
Damage to the left hemisphere of the brain may affect speech.
Scientists study climate patterns in the Southern Hemisphere.
The sculpture was a perfect hemisphere of polished marble.
Birds migrating across hemispheres face extreme weather challenges.