hemicycle

noun

hemi·​cy·​cle ˈhe-mi-ˌsī-kəl How to pronounce hemicycle (audio)
: a curved or semicircular structure or arrangement

Examples of hemicycle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Back in the other world of central Dijon, the mayor’s office is housed in the Palace of the Dukes, approached through the magnificent hemicycle of the Place de la Libération, or Liberation Square. Roger Cohen, BostonGlobe.com, 9 Apr. 2022 The most influential hemicycle is the French National Assembly, which began sitting in the Palais Bourbon in 1798. The Economist, 27 July 2019 American and most European politicians sit in a fan shape, known as a hemicycle. The Economist, 27 July 2019 The chapel — part of the hemicycle entrance to the cemetery, where two other chapels are up for auction — was in good shape after a recent restoration paid for by the city. New York Times, 21 May 2018 Frank Lloyd Wright's Running Water Home Built in 1955 in New Canaan, Conn., this house has a hemicycle or horseshoe shape. Maria Clark, NOLA.com, 20 June 2017 Frank Lloyd Wright's Running Water Home Built in 1955 in New Canaan, Conn., this house has a hemicycle or horseshoe shape. Maria Clark, NOLA.com, 20 June 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hemicycle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin hemicyclium, from Greek hēmikyklion, from hēmi- + kyklos circle — more at cycle

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hemicycle was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near hemicycle

Cite this Entry

“Hemicycle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hemicycle. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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