sphere

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As a noun, sphere means a regular three-dimensional object in which every cross-section is a circle. As a verb, it means place in a sphere, or among the spheres.

Meanings of sphere

16 meanings

noun

mathematicsA regular three-dimensional object in which every cross-section is a circle; the figure described by the revolution of a circle about its diameter .
A spherical physical object; a globe or ball.
astronomynow rareThe apparent outer limit of space; the edge of the heavens, imagined as a hollow globe within which celestial bodies appear to be embedded.
mythologyAn area of activity for a planet; or by extension, an area of influence for a god, hero etc.
figurativelyThe region in which something or someone is active; one's province, domain.
geometryThe set of all points in three-dimensional Euclidean space (or n-dimensional space, in topology) that are a fixed distance from a fixed point .
logicThe extension of a general conception, or the totality of the individuals or species to which it may be applied.
A particular environment or walk of life
“his social sphere is limited”
“it was a closed area of employment”
“he's out of my orbit”
Similar: domain, area, orbit, field, arena
Any spherically shaped artifact
The geographical area in which one nation is very influentiallocation
Similar: sphere of influence
A particular aspect of life or activity
“he was helpless in an important sector of his life”
Similar: sector
A solid figure bounded by a spherical surface (including the space it encloses)
A three-dimensional closed surface such that every point on the surface is equidistant from the center

Older and rare meanings (1)

historicalastronomymythologyAny of the concentric hollow transparent globes formerly believed to rotate around the Earth, and which carried the heavenly bodies; there were originally believed to be eight, and later nine and ten; friction between them was thought to cause a harmonious sound (the music of the spheres).