What does "hemisphere" mean?

1. (half of the Earth) one half of the Earth, usually divided by the equator into north and south. 2. (half of the brain) one of the two halves of the human brain. 3. (geometry) any half of a solid round shape or sphere. 4. (astronomy) half of the sky as seen from Earth.

How do you use "hemisphere"?

Usually capitalized when naming a specific one, such as the Northern Hemisphere. Often used with 'left' or 'right'.

hemisphere

US //ˈhɛmɪsˌfɪɹ// UK //hˈɛmɪsfˌiə// hemi·sphere

1 half of the Earth (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

one half of the Earth, usually divided by the equator into north and south.

one of the halves into which the Earth is divided, typically by the equator or a meridian.

Example

In the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are the opposite of those in Europe.

Example

Migratory patterns often involve birds traveling between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres to exploit seasonal abundance in different climates.

Usage

Usually capitalized when naming a specific one, such as the Northern Hemisphere.
- half
2 half of the brain (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Medicine

one of the two halves of the human brain.

either of the two symmetrical halves of the cerebrum in the brain.

Example

The left hemisphere of the brain is often associated with language and logic.

Example

Neuroscientists have demonstrated that while certain functions are lateralized, both hemispheres communicate constantly through the corpus callosum.

Usage

Often used with 'left' or 'right'.

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3 geometry (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Math

any half of a solid round shape or sphere.

a half of a sphere, formed by a plane passing through its center.

Example

The modern building was topped with a glass hemisphere that let in the light.

Example

The architect designed the ceiling as a perfect hemisphere, creating an acoustic environment where even a whisper could be heard across the hall.
- half sphere
4 astronomy (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Science

half of the sky as seen from Earth.

half of the celestial sphere as divided by the celestial equator or the ecliptic.

Example

Certain constellations are only visible to people living in the northern hemisphere.

Example

Astronomers cataloged the stars of the southern hemisphere during the eighteenth-century expeditions, filling in gaps in the existing celestial maps.

Origin

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”).