HEMISPHERE

hemisphere, cerebral hemisphere

(noun) either half of the cerebrum

hemisphere

(noun) half of the terrestrial globe

hemisphere

(noun) half of a sphere

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

hemisphere (plural hemispheres)

(astronomy, astrology) Half of the celestial sphere, as divided by either the ecliptic or the celestial equator [from 14th c.].

(figuratively) A realm or domain of activity [1503].

(geography) Half of the Earth, such as the Northern Hemisphere, Southern Hemisphere, Western Hemisphere or Eastern Hemisphere, Land Hemisphere, Water Hemisphere etc. [1550s].

(geometry) Any half-sphere, formed by a plane intersecting the center of a sphere. [1580s].

(cartography) A map or projection of a celestial or terrestrial hemisphere [1706].

(anatomy) Either of the two halves of the cerebrum. [1804].

Synonyms

• (astronomy: half of the celestial sphere): celestial hemisphere

• (geography: half of the terrestrial sphere): terrestrial hemisphere

• (figuratively: a domain of thought or action): sphere

• (geometry: half of a sphere): half-sphere, half sphere

• (anatomy: either of the two lobes of the cerebellum): cerebral hemisphere

• (cartography: a map showing a projection of a hemisphere): planisphere

Source: Wiktionary

Hem"i*sphere, n. Etym: [L. hemisphaerium, Gr. hémisphère. See Hemi-, and Sphere.]

1. A half sphere; one half of a sphere or globe, when divided by a plane passing through its center.

2. Half of the terrestrial globe, or a projection of the same in a map or picture.

3. The people who inhabit a hemisphere. He died . . . mourned by a hemisphere. J. P. Peters. ten Cerebral hemispheres. (Anat.) See Brain.

– Magdeburg hemispheres (Physics), two hemispherical cups forming, when placed together, a cavity from which the air can be withdrawn by an air pump; -- used to illustrate the pressure of the air. So called because invented by Otto von Guericke at Magdeburg.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition