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• hemi
  hemi

  noun

  an internal-combustion engine having hemispherical combustion chambers.
• hemi-
  hemi-

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

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

hemi

¹ American  

[hem-ee] / ˈhɛm i /

noun

Automotive.

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

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hemi- ² American  

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

   hemimorphic.

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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 hemi¹

Shortening of hemi-head

Origin of hemi-²

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

Example Sentences

Who will say that infancy can utter 74:24 the ideas of manhood, that darkness can represent light,         that we are in Europe when we are in the opposite hemi-         sphere?

From Science and Health, with Key to the Scriptures by Eddy, Mary Baker