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View synonyms for semester

semester

[ si-mes-ter ]

noun

  1. (in many educational institutions) a division constituting half of the regular academic year, lasting typically from 15 to 18 weeks.
  2. (in German universities) a session, lasting about six months and including periods of recess.


semester

/ sɪˈmɛstə /

noun

  1. (in some universities) either of two divisions of the academic year, ranging from 15 to 18 weeks
  2. (in German universities) a session of six months


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Derived Forms

  • seˈmestral, adjective

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Other Words From

  • se·mestral se·mes·tri·al [si-, mes, -tree-, uh, l], adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of semester1

1820–30; < German < Latin sēmē ( n ) stris of six months duration < *sex-mēnstris, equivalent to sex six + mēns ( is ) month + -tris adj. suffix (perhaps representing an earlier *mens ( i ) -teros )

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Word History and Origins

Origin of semester1

C19: via German from Latin sēmestris half-yearly, from sex six + mensis a month

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Example Sentences

I had been studying abroad in London, and came back to finish the semester at Tufts.

The trick, in any case, was repeated semester after semester.

According to his suit, Carleton would rotate four new boys into his home every semester.

My relationship with foreign cultures began, like many privileged Americans, with an idealistic college semester abroad.

I will be moving out of my House next semester, if only—quite literally—to save my life.

These girls had all arrived at Ardmore several days in advance of the opening of the semester.

This would be sometime between the first of January 1940, and the time you finished the second semester, let us say.

In most instances he was a man of wealth and high social standing, who looked upon his semester or two as a romantic episode.

Queen's is bad enough, but if I am to descend to a room over the post-office after this semester, I'd—I'd rather die!

That young man will not fight another round for many a long semester after I have done with him.'

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Semerusemester hour