semicircle

American  

[sem-i-sur-kuhl] / ˈsɛm ɪˌsɜr kəl /

noun

1. Also called semicircumference.  half of a circle; the arc from one end of a diameter to the other.

2. anything having or arranged in the form of a half of a circle.

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semicircle British  

/ ˌsɛmɪˈsɜːkjʊlə, ˈsɛmɪˌsɜːkəl /

noun

1. 1. one half of a circle

   2. half the circumference of a circle

2. anything having the shape or form of half a circle

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Other Word Forms

• semicircular adjective
• semicircularly adverb
• semicircularness noun

Etymology

Origin of semicircle

From the Latin word sēmicirculus, dating back to 1520–30. See semi-, circle

Example Sentences

The rest of the Lakers sat silently or loitered in a semicircle waiting for their coaches to join.

From Los Angeles Times

The playa is arranged as a semicircle, and radial streets are named as if their position were a clock face.

From Salon

Rivas hit “record” on her phone as a semicircle of trucks and vans came into view.

From Salon

The researchers observed a 22km berm, which formed a semicircle from the west to the north of the city.

From BBC

The institute’s report envisioned the town center as a semicircle of new buildings forming a quad with Building 13.

From Los Angeles Times