hemi

¹

[ hem-ee ]

noun

, Automotive.

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

hemi-

²

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

   hemimorphic.

hemi-

prefix

1. See semi-, demi-
   half Compare demi- semi-

   hemicycle

   hemisphere

hemi–

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of hemi¹

Shortening of hemi-head

Origin of hemi²

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of hemi¹

from Latin, from Greek hēmi-

Example Sentences

In the case of a hemi-speos the internal effect must have been almost identical with that of any other religious building.

From Project Gutenberg

The whole is finally protected by a hemi 360spherical covering of moss, made into a sort of felt and lined with wax.

From Project Gutenberg

These may be divided into three classes: namely, the hemi-celluloses, the normal celluloses, and the compound celluloses.

From Project Gutenberg

In the characteristic type represented in fig. 1, f represents the prism, l the hemi-pyramid and P the clinopinacoid.

From Project Gutenberg

To induce what is called hemi-lethargy and hemi-catalepsy is not difficult.

From Project Gutenberg

Words That Use hemi-

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.

Examples of hemi-

One example of a medical term that features the form hemi– is hemialgia, “pain or neuralgia involving only one side of the body or head.”

The hemi– part of the word means “half,” as we know, but what about the –algia part of the word? The combining form –algia means “pain,” from Greek álgos. Hemialgia literally translates to “half pain.”

What are some words that use the combining form hemi-?

• hemiballismus
• hemicardia
• hemidystrophy
• hemiglobin
• hemihedral
• hemilateral

What are some other forms that hemi– may be commonly confused with?

• hem-
• hemo-

Break it down!

The combining form –cardia refers to the heart. With this in mind, what does hemicardia literally mean?