sphere

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A perfectly round solid shape, like a ball.

   The Earth is not a perfect sphere but bulges slightly at the equator.

2. 2
   noun

   An area of activity, knowledge, or influence.

   Money matters fall outside my sphere of expertise.

3. 3
   noun

   A particular part of society or way of life.

   In her professional sphere she is widely respected.

Appears in

Simplified etymology

Sphere entered Middle English from Greek sphaira, meaning “globe” or “ball.” In early English it was often interchangeable with globe, although sphere tended to be the more academic term.

Etymology tree Ancient Greek σφαῖρᾰ (sphaîră)bor. Latin sphaera Late Latin sphērader. Old French spherebor. Middle English spere English sphere From Middle English spere, from Old French sphere, from Late Latin sphēra, earlier Latin sphaera (“ball, globe, celestial sphere”), from Ancient Greek σφαῖρα (sphaîra, “ball, globe”), of unknown origin. Not related to superficially similar Persian سپهر (sepehr, “sky”) .

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External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary