semicircle

[ sem-i-sur-kuhl ]

noun

1. Also called sem·i·cir·cum·fer·ence [sem-ee-ser-, kuhm, -fer-, uh, ns, -fr, uh, ns, sem-ahy-]. half of a circle; the arc from one end of a diameter to the other.
2. anything having or arranged in the form of a half of a circle.

semicircle

/ ˌsɛmɪˈsɜːkjʊlə; ˈsɛmɪˌsɜːkəl /

noun

1. 1. one half of a circle
   2. half the circumference of a circle
2. anything having the shape or form of half a circle

Derived Forms

• semicircular, adjective
• ˌsemiˈcircularly, adverb

Other Words From

• sem·i·cir·cu·lar [sem-i-, sur, -ky, uh, -ler], adjective
• semi·circu·lar·ly adverb
• semi·circu·lar·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of semicircle¹

From the Latin word sēmicirculus, dating back to 1520–30. See semi-, circle

Example Sentences

In less than sixty seconds he would become the focus of a hidden and annihilating fire from a semicircle of houses.

From The Daily Beast

He then spread his arms dramatically, drawing a semicircle of emptiness.

From The Daily Beast

When we reached high ground again the twilight was fading to a semicircle of bloodshot gray in the northwest.

From Project Gutenberg

The French troops, strung out in a great semicircle on the Ebro, were quickly concentrated.

From Project Gutenberg

On the outside, two small flights of steps, forming a semicircle, lead up to the top.

From Project Gutenberg

The temples, twenty-seven in number, are excavated in tall perpendicular cliffs, which form a semicircle.

From Project Gutenberg

Some twenty of the boys went up, and stood in a large semicircle round the desk.

From Project Gutenberg