Word
hemisphere
Phoneticshemi·sphere
US/ˈhɛmɪsˌfɪɹ/
UK/hˈɛmɪsfˌiə/
Definitions
01half of the Earth
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. one half of the Earth, usually divided by the equator into north and south.
n. one of the halves into which the Earth is divided, typically by the equator or a meridian.
Español:hemisferio
“In the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are the opposite of those in Europe.”
“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.
Synonyms
02half of the brain
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Medicine Technical
n. one of the two halves of the human brain.
n. either of the two symmetrical halves of the cerebrum in the brain.
“The left hemisphere of the brain is often associated with language and logic.”
“Neuroscientists have demonstrated that while certain functions are lateralized, both hemispheres communicate constantly through the corpus callosum.”
Usage
Often used with 'left' or 'right'.
03geometry
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Mathematics Technical
n. any half of a solid round shape or sphere.
n. a half of a sphere, formed by a plane passing through its center.
“The modern building was topped with a glass hemisphere that let in the light.”
“The architect designed the ceiling as a perfect hemisphere, creating an acoustic environment where even a whisper could be heard across the hall.”
Synonyms
04astronomy
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical
n. half of the sky as seen from Earth.
n. half of the celestial sphere as divided by the celestial equator or the ecliptic.
Español:hemisferio
“Certain constellations are only visible to people living in the northern hemisphere.”
“Astronomers cataloged the stars of the southern hemisphere during the eighteenth-century expeditions, filling in gaps in the existing celestial maps.”
Real-World Examples
“Harbor porpoises and humans have been neighbors for thousands of years, living side-by-side along ocean coasts throughout the Northern Hemisphere.” “Together, the two observing sites greatly expand the geographic reach of the survey and allow SDSS-V to examine the sky from both hemispheres.” “Unlike the total solar eclipse that swept across Europe, the Perseids can be seen at night by anyone in the Northern Hemisphere.” “It could also strengthen winds high in the atmosphere that guide storms across the Northern Hemisphere.” 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”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/hemisphere
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0