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REFERENCE

demi

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈdɛmi// de·mi Informal Slang

n. a small bottle of wine or champagne that is half the size of a standard bottle. It is a French word that people use when they want a smaller drink.

n. a half-bottle of wine or spirits, typically containing 375 millilitres. Borrowed from French, it is used primarily in culinary or hospitality contexts.


SIMPLE

We ordered a demi of champagne to celebrate.

CONTEXTUAL

Since she was dining alone, she opted for a demi of the house red rather than a full bottle.

COMPLEX

The sommelier suggested a demi of Sauternes to accompany the dessert, providing just enough sweetness to complement the dish without overwhelming the palate.

Etymology 1

From Middle English demi, from Anglo-Norman demi, from Latin dimidius. Literally, “half”.

Etymology 2

Clipping of demimonde.

Etymology 3

Clipping of demisexual.

Usage

Often used in restaurant settings; can also appear as a prefix meaning 'half' in words like 'demigod'.

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