demi-

American  

1. a combining form appearing in loanwords from French meaning “half ” (demilune ), “lesser” (demitasse ), or sometimes used with a pejorative sense (demimonde ); on this model, also prefixed to words of English origin (demigod ).

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demi- British  

prefix

1. half Compare hemi- semi-

   demirelief

2. of less than full size, status, or rank

   demigod

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Etymology

Origin of demi-

< French, combining form representing demi (adj.; also noun and adv.) < Vulgar Latin *dīmedius, for Latin dīmidius half, equivalent to dī- di- ² + medius middle

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

demi-

Nataly heard him at night, on a moan: 'Poor soul!' and loudly once while performing an abrupt demi- vault from back to side: 'Perhaps now!' in a voice through doors.

From One of Our Conquerors — Volume 3 by Meredith, George

Babbalanja, you have indeed put aside the courtier; talking of worms and caterpillars to me, a king and a demi- god!

From Mardi: and A Voyage Thither, Vol. I by Melville, Herman

In the sieges of the American civil war there were sometimes three thousand shots an hour, and from guns compared to which in calibre and power those cannon and demi- cannon were but children's toys.

From History of the United Netherlands from the Death of William the Silent to the Twelve Year's Truce, 1600-02 by Motley, John Lothrop

The ladies in general wore neither diamonds nor pearls, but a sort of demi- toilet, which would have been pretty if their dresses had been longer and their shoes not so tight.

From Life in Mexico by Calderón de la Barca, Madame (Frances Erskine Inglis)

At least four thousand men were engaged in this chief attack, and the light now permitted the besieged to direct their fire from cannon, demi- cannon, culverin, and snaphance, with fatal effect.

From History of the United Netherlands from the Death of William the Silent to the Twelve Year's Truce, 1600-02 by Motley, John Lothrop