spherical

UK: ˈsfɛrɪk(ə)l | US: ˈsfɪrɪk(ə)l

Definition
  1. adj. having the shape of a sphere; round

  2. adj. relating to or involving spheres or spheres as a geometric concept

Structure
spher <sphere>ical <adjective suffix>
Etymology

spherical = spher<sphere> + ical<adjective suffix>

  • spher<sphere>: From Greek sphaira (σφαῖρα), meaning "ball" or "globe."
  • ical<adjective suffix>: A suffix derived from Latin -icalis, used to form adjectives meaning "relating to" or "pertaining to."

Etymology Origin:
The word spherical traces back to the Greek sphaira, which referred to a ball or globe. The suffix -ical was later added in Latin to form adjectives describing characteristics. Over time, spherical evolved in English to describe anything shaped like a sphere or related to spherical geometry, maintaining its core connection to roundness and three-dimensional symmetry.

Examples
  1. The Earth is nearly spherical due to gravity.

  2. The scientist used a spherical model to demonstrate planetary motion.

  3. The glass marbles were perfectly spherical and smooth.

  4. Spherical coordinates are essential in advanced physics calculations.

  5. The artist sculpted a spherical structure from marble.