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SPHERE
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I. (noun)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Any spherically shaped artifact
Classified under:
Nouns denoting man-made objects
Hypernyms ("sphere" is a kind of...):
artefact; artifact (a man-made object taken as a whole)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "sphere"):
globe (a sphere on which a map (especially of the earth) is represented)
Derivation:
spheric; spherical (having the shape of a sphere or ball)
spherical (of or relating to spheres or resembling a sphere)
Sense 2
Meaning:
A particular aspect of life or activity
Example:
he was helpless in an important sector of his life
Synonyms:
Classified under:
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents
Hypernyms ("sphere" is a kind of...):
aspect; facet (a distinct feature or element in a problem)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "sphere"):
department (a specialized sphere of knowledge)
Sense 3
Meaning:
The apparent surface of the imaginary sphere on which celestial bodies appear to be projected
Synonyms:
celestial sphere; empyrean; firmament; heavens; sphere; vault of heaven; welkin
Classified under:
Nouns denoting spatial position
Hypernyms ("sphere" is a kind of...):
surface (the extended two-dimensional outer boundary of a three-dimensional object)
Meronyms (parts of "sphere"):
apex; apex of the sun's way; solar apex (the point on the celestial sphere toward which the sun and solar system appear to be moving relative to the fixed stars)
celestial point (a point in the heavens (on the celestial sphere))
nadir (the point below the observer that is directly opposite the zenith on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected)
zenith (the point above the observer that is directly opposite the nadir on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected)
zodiac (a belt-shaped region in the heavens on either side to the ecliptic; divided into 12 constellations or signs for astrological purposes)
Sense 4
Meaning:
The geographical area in which one nation is very influential
Synonyms:
sphere; sphere of influence
Classified under:
Nouns denoting spatial position
Hypernyms ("sphere" is a kind of...):
geographic area; geographic region; geographical area; geographical region (a demarcated area of the Earth)
Sense 5
Meaning:
A three-dimensional closed surface such that every point on the surface is equidistant from the center
Classified under:
Nouns denoting two and three dimensional shapes
Hypernyms ("sphere" is a kind of...):
round shape (a shape that is curved and without sharp angles)
Meronyms (parts of "sphere"):
sr; steradian (the unit of solid angle adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites)
Derivation:
spheric; spherical (having the shape of a sphere or ball)
Sense 6
Meaning:
A solid figure bounded by a spherical surface (including the space it encloses)
Classified under:
Nouns denoting two and three dimensional shapes
Hypernyms ("sphere" is a kind of...):
round shape (a shape that is curved and without sharp angles)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "sphere"):
conglobation; conglomeration (a rounded spherical form)
ball; globe; orb (an object with a spherical shape)
bead; drop; pearl (a shape that is spherical and small)
Derivation:
spheric (having the shape of a sphere or ball)
Sense 7
Meaning:
A particular environment or walk of life
Example:
he's out of my orbit
Synonyms:
area; arena; domain; field; orbit; sphere
Classified under:
Nouns denoting stable states of affairs
Hypernyms ("sphere" is a kind of...):
environment (the totality of surrounding conditions)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "sphere"):
distaff (the sphere of work by women)
front (a sphere of activity involving effort)
kingdom; land; realm (a domain in which something is dominant)
lap (an area of control or responsibility)
political arena; political sphere (a sphere of intense political activity)
preserve (a domain that seems to be specially reserved for someone)
province; responsibility (the proper sphere or extent of your activities)
Context examples:
The apparent path of the sun on the celestial sphere, also used for the plane in which the motion of the earth around the sun takes place.
(Ecliptic, NOAA Paleoclimate Glossary)
An internal radiation treatment technique in which a small diameter hollow metal sphere filled with a radioactive source is placed inside the uterus for the treatment of gynecological cancers.
(Mini Ovoid Brachytherapy, NCI Thesaurus)
The spheres also have the capability to absorb both organic and inorganic substances.
(Nanosphere, NCI Thesaurus)
A liquid parenteral pharmaceutical dosage form structured as a multilamellar composition of concentric phospholipid spheres that encapsulate the drug (drug delivery systems) separated by layers of water.
(Injectable Liposomal Suspension Dosage Form, NCI Thesaurus/CDISC)
An embolic agent that is in the form of a small sphere.
(Embolic Bead, NCI Thesaurus)
The length of a straight line passing through the center of a circle or sphere and connecting two points on the circumference.
(Diameter, NCI Thesaurus)
An imaginary sphere of infinite radius, on which the stars appear to be placed.
(Celestial sphere, NOAA Paleoclimate Glossary)
"This parlour is not his sphere," I reflected: the Himalayan ridge or Caffre bush, even the plague-cursed Guinea Coast swamp would suit him better.
(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)
Everybody's health was proposed, from Mr. Laurence, who was considered their special patron, to the astonished guinea pig, who had strayed from its proper sphere in search of its young master.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
It is evident to me that Australia is the legitimate sphere of action for Mr. Micawber!
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
