hemi-

¹

1. a combining form meaning “half,” used in the formation of compound words.

   hemimorphic.

hemi

²

[hem-ee]

noun

Automotive.

1. an internal-combustion engine having hemispherical combustion chambers.

hemi-

prefix

1. half Compare demi- semi-

   hemicycle

   hemisphere

hemi–

1. A prefix meaning “half,” as in hemisphere, half a sphere.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hemi-¹

< Greek hēmi- half; cognate with Latin sēmi- semi-

Origin of hemi-²

Shortening of hemi-head

Word History and Origins

Origin of hemi-¹

from Latin, from Greek hēmi-

Example Sentences

Shipments rose as the company started deliveries of Ram 1500 pickups with Hemi V-8 engines.

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But in March Kuniskis led the unveiling of two battery-powered versions of the Charger muscle car, while keeping one gas-powered version of the Charger without a big Hemi V8.

Read more on Seattle Times

However the Stellantis brand, which has carved out a market niche of selling high performance vehicles, will keep selling a gas-powered Charger as well, sans the big Hemi V8.

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The company says the new engine will make more horsepower and produce more torque than the outgoing 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter Hemi V8s.

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The cast includes Adam Jackson-Smith as Basil Fawlty, Anna-Jane Casey as his wife Sybil, Hemi Yeroham as waiter Manuel and Victoria Fox as Polly, the chambermaid who often rescues Basil from difficult situations.

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When To Use

What does hemi- mean?

Hemi- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “half.” It is often used in medical terms, especially in pathology and anatomy.Hemi- comes from Greek hēmi-, meaning “half.” The Latin cognate of hēmi- is sēmi-, also meaning “half,” which is the source of English terms such as semicircle and semimonthly. To learn more, check out our entries for both words.