spherical

[ sfer-i-kuhl, sfeer- ]

adjective

1. having the form of a sphere; globular.

   Synonyms: rounded

2. formed in or on a sphere, as a figure.
3. of or relating to a sphere or spheres.
4. pertaining to the heavenly bodies, or to their supposed revolving spheres or shells.
5. pertaining to the heavenly bodies regarded astrologically as exerting influence on humankind and events.

spherical

/ ˈsfɛrɪkəl /

adjective

1. shaped like a sphere
2. of or relating to a sphere

   spherical geometry

3. geometry formed on the surface of or inside a sphere

   a spherical triangle

4. 1. of or relating to heavenly bodies
   2. of or relating to the spheres of the Ptolemaic or the Copernican system

Derived Forms

• ˈspherically, adverb
• ˈsphericalness, noun

Other Words From

• spheri·cali·ty noun
• spheri·cal·ly adverb
• non·spheric adjective
• non·spheri·cal adjective
• non·spheri·cal·ly adverb
• nonspher·i·cali·ty noun
• quasi-spheri·cal adjective
• quasi-spheri·cal·ly adverb
• sub·spheric adjective
• sub·spheri·cal adjective
• un·spheri·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of spherical¹

1515–25; < Late Latin sphēric ( us ) ( spherics ¹ ) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Most deep-sea subs have a spherical hull, so the effect of the crushing pressure of the deep is distributed equally.

From BBC

Titan’s hull was also an unusual shape - cylindrical, rather than spherical.

From BBC

Scientists describe it as a giant spherical shell around our solar system made of icy, comet-like objects.

From Los Angeles Times

The shape of its hull - the part where the passengers were - was cylindrical rather than spherical so the effects of the pressure were not distributed evenly.

From BBC

Titan’s hull was also an unusual shape - cylindrical, rather than spherical.

From BBC

Related Words

• celestial