hemisphere

== English == === Alternative forms === hemisphære (archaic) === Etymology === From Latin hemisphaerium, from Ancient Greek ἡμισφαίριον (hēmisphaírion), from ἡμι- (hēmi-, “half”) + σφαῖρα (sphaîra, “sphere”). Equivalent to hemi- +‎ sphere. Displaced native Old English healftrendel (literally “half-sphere”). === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈhɛmɪsfɪə/ (US, Canada) enPR: hĕm'ĭsfîr, IPA(key): /ˈhɛmɪsfɪɹ/ (General Australian) IPA(key): /ˈhemɪsfɪə/ === Noun === hemisphere (plural hemispheres) (astronomy, astrology) Half of the celestial sphere, as divided by either the ecliptic or the celestial equator [from 14th c.]. (figuratively) A realm or domain of activity [1503]. (geography) Half of the Earth, such as the Northern Hemisphere, Southern Hemisphere, Western Hemisphere or Eastern Hemisphere, Land Hemisphere, Water Hemisphere etc. [1550s]. (geometry) Any half-sphere, formed by a plane intersecting the center of a sphere. [1580s]. (cartography) A map or projection of a celestial or terrestrial hemisphere [1706]. (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 ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== ==== Descendants ==== → Welsh: hemisffer ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ==== dome