semidiurnal

[ sem-ee-dahy-ur-nl, sem-ahy- ]

adjective

1. pertaining to, consisting of, or accomplished in half a day.
2. occurring every 12 hours or twice each day.

semidiurnal

/ ˌsɛmɪdaɪˈɜːnəl /

adjective

1. of or continuing during half a day
2. occurring every 12 hours

Word History and Origins

Origin of semidiurnal¹

First recorded in 1585–95; semi- + diurnal

Example Sentences

That means that in areas that experience semidiurnal tides, higher high tides and lower low tides are generally more likely.

From Science News

The semidiurnal tidal forces vanish at the Pole and are very small over the entire Arctic Ocean.

From Project Gutenberg