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. half Compare demi- semi-

   hemicycle

   hemisphere

hemi–

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of hemi–¹

Shortening of hemi-head

Origin of hemi–²

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of hemi–¹

from Latin, from Greek hēmi-

Example Sentences

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

The cast includes Adam Jackson-Smith as Basil Fawlty, Anna-Jane Casey as his wife Sybil, Hemi Yeroham as waiter Manuel and Victoria Fox as Polly, the chambermaid who often rescues Basil from difficult situations.

From BBC

And so much of what defines a Dodge muscle car is related to the roar of the Hemi engine.

From The Verge

When To Use

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.