hemi-

¹ American  

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

   hemimorphic.

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hemi ² American  

[hem-ee] / ˈhɛm i /

noun

Automotive.

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

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hemi- British  

prefix

1. half Compare demi- semi-

   hemicycle

   hemisphere

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hemi– Scientific  

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

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Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of hemi-¹

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

Origin of hemi¹

Shortening of hemi-head

Example Sentences

The Ramirez Rattlesnake Removal owner was featured along with his 2012 Ram Hemi pickup.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From 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.

From Seattle Times

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.

From Seattle Times