semester
UK: sɪˈmestə | US: səˈmɛstər
n. a division of the academic year, typically lasting 15–18 weeks and constituting half of the full year.
The word "semester" originates from the Latin semestris, meaning "of six months," combining sex (six) and mensis (month). It originally referred to a six-month period but evolved in German universities (Semester) to denote half of an academic year (~6 months). English adopted this usage in the 19th century, though modern semesters are shorter. The morphemes reflect the word’s literal roots in time measurement.
The fall semester begins in September and ends in December.
She took five courses during the spring semester.
Final exams are scheduled at the end of each semester.
The university switched from a trimester to a semester system.
He plans to study abroad next semester.