sphere
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1 a round object (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Matha solid object that is perfectly round, like a ball.
a three-dimensional object or surface where all points are equidistant from a central point.
ExampleThe artist placed a large marble sphere in the center of the garden.
ExampleThe physicist calculated the volume of the sphere to determine how much liquid the container could hold under pressure.
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2 area of activity (n.) C1 Advanced Academica particular area of interest, work, or influence.
a metaphorical domain or field of activity, interest, or social standing.
ExampleThe two countries agreed to respect each other's sphere of influence.
ExampleIn the political sphere, the senator was known for her ability to build consensus among opposing factions.
UsageOften used in the phrase 'sphere of influence' or 'public/private sphere'.
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3 the heavens (n.) C2 Proficiency Archaic Literary Astronomythe sky or space, imagined as a giant globe surrounding the Earth.
the celestial shell or heavens, historically conceived as a series of concentric globes carrying the planets.
ExampleAncient astronomers believed the stars were fixed to a crystal sphere.
ExampleThe poet wrote of the music of the spheres, imagining the harmonious sounds created by the movement of the planets.
Teacher's tipThis sense is largely restricted to historical or literary contexts discussing pre-modern science.
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4 to make round (v.) C2 Proficiency Literaryto make something into the shape of a ball.
to form into a round shape or to place within a spherical environment.
ExampleThe water droplets began to sphere as they fell through the air.
ExampleThe sculptor worked the clay until he managed to sphere the mass into a perfectly balanced form.
UsageThis verb use is rare in modern English; 'shape into a sphere' is more common.
From Middle English spere, from Old French sphere, from Late Latin sphēra, earlier Latin sphaera (“ball, globe, celestial sphere”), from Ancient Greek σφαῖρα (sphaîra, “ball, globe”), of unknown origin. Not related to superficially similar Persian سپهر (sepehr, “sky”) .