semicircle

[sem-i-sur-kuhl]

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.

semicircle

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• semicircular adjective
• semicircularly adverb
• semicircularness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of semicircle¹

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

Example Sentences

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

What little hair he had left formed a semicircle of white bristle that started above his ears and met somewhere in the back.

From Literature

The Vatican released photos of the encounter, showing the relatives of the several of the hostages sitting in a semicircle in front of Francis in his private library in the Apostolic Palace.

From Seattle Times

The Vatican released photos of the encounter, showing relatives of several of the hostages sitting in a semicircle in front of Francis in his private library in the Apostolic Palace.

From Seattle Times