semi- Meaning, Definition & Usage

Sem"i-

Etymology

L. semi; akin to Gr. , Skr. sami-, AS. sam-, and prob. to E. same, from the division into two parts of the same size. Cf. Hemi-, Sandelend.

Definitions

1. A prefix signifying half, and sometimes partly or imperfectly; as, semiannual, half yearly; semitransparent, imperfectly transparent. ✍ The prefix semi is joined to another word either with the hyphen or without it. In this book the hyphen is omitted except before a capital letter; as, semiacid, semiaquatic, semi-Arian, semiaxis, semicalcareous.