ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hemisphere

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈhɛmɪsˌfɪɹ// UK //hˈɛmɪsfˌiə// hemi·sphere

n. one half of a round object, like the Earth or your brain.

n. half of a sphere or globe; specifically, one of the two halves of the Earth or the brain.


SIMPLE

Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere.

CONTEXTUAL

The left hemisphere of the brain is typically associated with language and logical processing.

COMPLEX

Migratory patterns often involve birds traveling between the Northern and Southern hemispheres to take advantage of seasonal food abundance and favorable breeding conditions.

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”).

Usage

Often capitalized when referring to specific halves of the Earth (e.g., the Northern Hemisphere).

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