spherical
adjective
spher·i·cal
ˈsfir-i-kəl 
ˈsfer-
1
: having the form of a sphere or of one of its segments
2
: relating to or dealing with a sphere or its properties
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Something spherical is like a sphere in being round, or more or less round, in three dimensions. Apples and oranges are both spherical, for example, even though they're never perfectly round. A spheroid has a roughly spherical shape; so an asteroid, for instance, is often spheroidal—fairly round, but lumpy.
Examples of spherical in a Sentence
the planet Earth is not, in fact, perfectly spherical
Recent Examples on the Web
Some proteins take the form of hollow, spherical structures called protein cages, acting as protective containers that deliver materials to cells.
—
Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 8 May 2025
The reentry windows will narrow over the next couple of days, but experts won't be able to pinpoint an exact time or location before the spherical spacecraft makes its final plunge.
—ArsTechnica, 8 May 2025
With flourishes such as spherical, yellow-light lamps and a giraffe print sourced from artisans around the globe, the space exudes an eclectic warmth, balancing elegance with a touch of the unexpected.
—Sam Falb, Vogue, 14 Mar. 2025
Meanwhile, China’s RT-G, a spherical amphibious robot, operates in extreme environments, reaching speeds of 22 mph and enduring 4-ton impacts.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for spherical
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Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 8 May 2025
The reentry windows will narrow over the next couple of days, but experts won't be able to pinpoint an exact time or location before the spherical spacecraft makes its final plunge.
—ArsTechnica, 8 May 2025
With flourishes such as spherical, yellow-light lamps and a giraffe print sourced from artisans around the globe, the space exudes an eclectic warmth, balancing elegance with a touch of the unexpected.
—Sam Falb, Vogue, 14 Mar. 2025
Meanwhile, China’s RT-G, a spherical amphibious robot, operates in extreme environments, reaching speeds of 22 mph and enduring 4-ton impacts.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for spherical
Cite this Entry
“Spherical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spherical. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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spherical
adjective
spher·i·cal
ˈsfir-i-kəl
ˈsfer-
: relating to or having the form of a sphere or part of a sphere
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