sphere

sphere [sfir]

n.

[ME spere < OFr espere < L sphaera < Gr sphaira]

1. any round body or figure having the surface equally distant from the center at all points; globe; ball

2. a star, planet, etc.

3. the visible heavens; sky

4. short for CELESTIAL SPHERE

5. any of a series of hypothetical spherical shells, transparent, concentric, and postulated as revolving one within another, in which the stars, planets, sun, moon, etc. were supposedly set: a concept of ancient astronomy

6. the place, range, or extent of action, existence, knowledge, experience, influence, etc.; province; compass

7. social stratum; place in society; walk of life

vt.

sphered, sphering Old Poet.

1. to put in or as in a sphere

2. to put among the heavenly spheres

3. to form into a sphere