First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1sphere
noun \ˈsfir\
: a round object
geometry : a three-dimensional shape that looks like a ball
: an area of influence or activity
Full Definition of SPHERE
1
a (1) : the apparent surface of the heavens of which half forms the dome of the visible sky (2) : any of the concentric and eccentric revolving spherical transparent shells in which according to ancient astronomy stars, sun, planets, and moon are set b : a globe depicting such a sphere; broadly : globe a
2
a : a globular body : ball b : planet, star c (1) : a solid that is bounded by a surface consisting of all points at a given distance from a point constituting its center — see volume table (2) : the bounding surface of a sphere
3
: natural, normal, or proper place; especially : social order or rank <not in the same sphere as his moneyed friends>
4
a obsolete : orbit b : an area or range over or within which someone or something acts, exists, or has influence or significance <the public sphere>
— spher·ic \ˈsfir-ik, ˈsfer-\ adjective, archaic
— sphe·ric·i·ty \sfir-ˈi-sə-tē\ noun
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Origin of SPHERE
Middle English spere globe, celestial sphere, from Anglo-French espere, from Latin sphaera, from Greek sphaira, literally, ball; perhaps akin to Greek spairein to quiver — more at spurn
Other Astronomy Terms
Rhymes with SPHERE
2sphere
transitive verb
spheredspher·ing
Definition of SPHERE
2
: to form into a sphere
First Known Use of SPHERE
1602
SPHERE Defined for Kids
sphere
noun \ˈsfir\
Definition of SPHERE for Kids
1
: an object (as the moon) shaped like a ball
2
: a figure so shaped that every point on its surface is an equal distance from its center
3
: a field of influence or activity <Electrical work is outside a plumber's sphere.>
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