Spherical Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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spherical
[ˈsfɪrɪk(ə)l ]
Definitions
shape
Having the shape of a sphere; round or ball-shaped.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| spherical |
Used in scientific or formal contexts to describe something that has the shape of a sphere. Often used in physics, geometry, or astronomy.
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| round |
One of the most common ways to describe circular or spherical shapes in everyday language. It is very versatile and can be used in many contexts.
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| ball-shaped |
Commonly used in everyday language to describe objects that are shaped like a ball. Informal and easy to understand.
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| globular |
Often used in literary or scientific contexts to describe something that resembles a globe or has a globular form. Less common in everyday conversation.
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Examples of usage
- The Earth is not a perfect sphere, but it is close to being spherical.
- She rolled the dough into spherical balls before baking them.
mathematics
Relating to a sphere or spheres.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| spherical |
Use when describing something that has the shape of a perfect sphere.
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| circular |
Best for describing shapes that are round like a circle and flat.
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| spheroid |
Applicable to describe something that is similar to a sphere but not perfectly round, often slightly elongated.
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| orbital |
Used when referring to the path or action of an object that moves around another object, often in space.
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Examples of usage
- The spherical coordinates system is commonly used in physics and mathematics.
- The artist created a painting with a spherical perspective.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In astronomy, celestial bodies like planets and stars are often described as spherical due to gravity pulling matter into a round shape.
- Water droplets form spherical shapes in microgravity because of surface tension, demonstrating this concept in everyday life.
Mathematics
- A sphere has no edges or vertices, making it unique among three-dimensional shapes.
- The formula for the volume of a sphere is V = 4/3πr³, where 'r' is the radius.
Art and Culture
- Artists often use spheres in their works to symbolize unity and wholeness, with famous pieces incorporating this shape to evoke balance.
- In architecture, domes and rounded structures showcase the use of spherical design for both aesthetic and structural reasons.
Nature
- Many fruits, like oranges and melons, are spherical, and this shape helps with growth and stability.
- Certain clouds, like cumulus clouds, can appear spherical, which adds to their fluffy and rounded appearance.
Origin of 'spherical'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'sphaericus', which means 'ball' or 'globe'.
- In Greek, 'sphaira' means 'sphere' and has been used since ancient times to describe round shapes.
The word 'spherical' originated from the Latin word 'sphaericus', which came from the Greek word 'sphairikos' meaning 'round'. The concept of spheres and spherical shapes has been studied and utilized in various fields such as mathematics, astronomy, and art for centuries.
See also: atmosphere, ecosphere.