Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Hemisphere

Hem′i-sphere

,
Noun.
[L.
hemisphaerium
, Gr. [GREEK]; [GREEK] half = [GREEK] sphere: cf. F.
hémisphère
. See
Hemi-
, and
Sphere
.]
1.
A half sphere; one half of a sphere or globe, when divided by a plane passing through its center.
2.
Half of the terrestrial globe, or a projection of the same in a map or picture.
3.
The people who inhabit a hemisphere.
He died . . . mourned by a
hemisphere
.
J. P. Peters.

Webster 1828 Edition

Hemisphere

HEM'ISPHERE

,
Noun.
[Gr.] A half sphere; one half of a sphere or globe, when divided by a plane passing through its center. In astronomy, one half the mundane sphere. The equator divides the sphere into two equal parts. That on the north is called the northern hemisphere; the other, the southern. So the horizon divides the sphere into the upper and lower hemispheres. Hemisphere is also used for a map or projection of half the terrestrial or celestial sphere, and is then often called planisphere.
1.
A map or projection of half the terrestrial globe.

Definition 2024

hemisphere

hemisphere

See also: hémisphère

English

Alternative forms

Noun

hemisphere ‎(plural hemispheres)

  1. (astronomy, astrology) Half of the celestial sphere, as divided by either the ecliptic or the celestial equator [from 14th c.].
  2. (figuratively) A realm or domain of activity [1503].
  3. (geography) Half of the Earth, such as the Northern Hemisphere, Southern Hemisphere, Western Hemisphere or Eastern Hemisphere, Land Hemisphere, Water Hemisphere etc. [1550s].
  4. (geometry) Any half-sphere, formed by a plane intersecting the center of a sphere. [1580s].
  5. (cartography) A map or projection of a celestial or terrestrial hemisphere [1706].
  6. (anatomy) Either of the two halves of the cerebrum. [1804].

Synonyms

  • (astronomy: half of the celestial sphere): celestial hemisphere
  • (geography: half of the terrestrial sphere): terrestrial hemisphere
  • (figuratively: a domain of thought or action): sphere
  • (geometry: half of a sphere): half-sphere, half sphere
  • (anatomy: either of the two lobes of the cerebellum): cerebral hemisphere
  • (cartography: a map showing a projection of a hemisphere): planisphere

Translations

Etymology

From Latin hemisphaerium, from Ancient Greek ἡμισφαίριον ‎(hēmisphaírion), from ἡμι- ‎(hēmi-, “half”) + σφαῖρα ‎(sphaîra, “sphere”); hemi- +‎ sphere

Pronunciation

Similar Results