Can “semicircle” be used to refer to a part-circle that is not a exact half-circle?
Going through a specification sheet for an engineering device, I glanced upon this phrase:
...the angular scanning range of the device is a semicircle of 300 degrees...
A semicircle is usually defined as a proper half of a circle - in mathematical terms a circle of angle 180 degrees. Clearly 300 degrees is more than a half, it is closer to being 5/6th of a circle. Is it grammatically correct to refer to non-full circles as a "semicircle", even though they are not exactly a half-circle.
grammaticality mathematics
asked 11 hours ago
Transistor OverlordTransistor Overlord
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Going through a specification sheet for an engineering device, I glanced upon this phrase:
...the angular scanning range of the device is a semicircle of 300 degrees...
A semicircle is usually defined as a proper half of a circle - in mathematical terms a circle of angle 180 degrees. Clearly 300 degrees is more than a half, it is closer to being 5/6th of a circle. Is it grammatically correct to refer to non-full circles as a "semicircle", even though they are not exactly a half-circle.
grammaticality mathematics
asked 11 hours ago
Transistor OverlordTransistor Overlord
1211
New contributor
Transistor Overlord is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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7
I would say the word arc can be used: "an arc of 300 degrees," or perhaps: "the scanning range of the device is an angle of 300 degrees".
– Weather Vane
10 hours ago
3
No, you can't use it. A semi-circle means half of a circle.
– ubi hatt
10 hours ago
I presume it is clear from context that you are talking about geometric angle measure, not temperature. Thus, I would get rid of the "angular scanning range" as completely superfluous non-information. Instead, you may want to add actual information, like that it is scanning range in horizontal (or vertical) plane. Or is a sphere? Or half-sphere? Look at it from the point of view of a user of the device.
– Rusty Core
7 hours ago
1
It is 5/6 of a circle.
– user207421
6 hours ago
add a comment |
Going through a specification sheet for an engineering device, I glanced upon this phrase:
...the angular scanning range of the device is a semicircle of 300 degrees...
A semicircle is usually defined as a proper half of a circle - in mathematical terms a circle of angle 180 degrees. Clearly 300 degrees is more than a half, it is closer to being 5/6th of a circle. Is it grammatically correct to refer to non-full circles as a "semicircle", even though they are not exactly a half-circle.
grammaticality mathematics
asked 11 hours ago
Transistor OverlordTransistor Overlord
1211
New contributor
Transistor Overlord is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Going through a specification sheet for an engineering device, I glanced upon this phrase:
...the angular scanning range of the device is a semicircle of 300 degrees...
A semicircle is usually defined as a proper half of a circle - in mathematical terms a circle of angle 180 degrees. Clearly 300 degrees is more than a half, it is closer to being 5/6th of a circle. Is it grammatically correct to refer to non-full circles as a "semicircle", even though they are not exactly a half-circle.
grammaticality mathematics
grammaticality mathematics
asked 11 hours ago
Transistor OverlordTransistor Overlord
1211
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Transistor Overlord is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 11 hours ago
Transistor OverlordTransistor Overlord
1211
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asked 11 hours ago
Transistor OverlordTransistor Overlord
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asked 11 hours ago
Transistor OverlordTransistor Overlord
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asked 11 hours ago
Transistor OverlordTransistor Overlord
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7
I would say the word arc can be used: "an arc of 300 degrees," or perhaps: "the scanning range of the device is an angle of 300 degrees".
– Weather Vane
10 hours ago
3
No, you can't use it. A semi-circle means half of a circle.
– ubi hatt
10 hours ago
I presume it is clear from context that you are talking about geometric angle measure, not temperature. Thus, I would get rid of the "angular scanning range" as completely superfluous non-information. Instead, you may want to add actual information, like that it is scanning range in horizontal (or vertical) plane. Or is a sphere? Or half-sphere? Look at it from the point of view of a user of the device.
– Rusty Core
7 hours ago
1
It is 5/6 of a circle.
– user207421
6 hours ago
add a comment |
7
I would say the word arc can be used: "an arc of 300 degrees," or perhaps: "the scanning range of the device is an angle of 300 degrees".
– Weather Vane
10 hours ago
3
No, you can't use it. A semi-circle means half of a circle.
– ubi hatt
10 hours ago
I presume it is clear from context that you are talking about geometric angle measure, not temperature. Thus, I would get rid of the "angular scanning range" as completely superfluous non-information. Instead, you may want to add actual information, like that it is scanning range in horizontal (or vertical) plane. Or is a sphere? Or half-sphere? Look at it from the point of view of a user of the device.
– Rusty Core
7 hours ago
1
It is 5/6 of a circle.
– user207421
6 hours ago
7
7
I would say the word arc can be used: "an arc of 300 degrees," or perhaps: "the scanning range of the device is an angle of 300 degrees".
– Weather Vane
10 hours ago
I would say the word arc can be used: "an arc of 300 degrees," or perhaps: "the scanning range of the device is an angle of 300 degrees".
– Weather Vane
10 hours ago
3
3
No, you can't use it. A semi-circle means half of a circle.
– ubi hatt
10 hours ago
No, you can't use it. A semi-circle means half of a circle.
– ubi hatt
10 hours ago
I presume it is clear from context that you are talking about geometric angle measure, not temperature. Thus, I would get rid of the "angular scanning range" as completely superfluous non-information. Instead, you may want to add actual information, like that it is scanning range in horizontal (or vertical) plane. Or is a sphere? Or half-sphere? Look at it from the point of view of a user of the device.
– Rusty Core
7 hours ago
I presume it is clear from context that you are talking about geometric angle measure, not temperature. Thus, I would get rid of the "angular scanning range" as completely superfluous non-information. Instead, you may want to add actual information, like that it is scanning range in horizontal (or vertical) plane. Or is a sphere? Or half-sphere? Look at it from the point of view of a user of the device.
– Rusty Core
7 hours ago
1
1
It is 5/6 of a circle.
– user207421
6 hours ago
It is 5/6 of a circle.
– user207421
6 hours ago
add a comment |
2 Answers
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In English, the prefix semi usually partly, as in semiconscious or semiautomatic.
But it can also mean half, as in semiannually, which always refers to something that happens every half-year (twice yearly).
The word semicircle has a specific defined meaning: a half of a circle or of its circumference. (Source: New Oxford American Dictionary)
So no, semicircle cannot be used to refer to any part of a circle that isn't 180 degrees.
answered 8 hours ago
Steven KleinSteven Klein
1312
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This might be an unusual opinion, but when I hear "semiannually" I think "probably once every 2 years, but inconsistently so". I'm Australian, in case that's relevant.
– Clonkex
1 hour ago
add a comment |
The answer by Steven is correct, you cannot use semicircle in this case.
Here are some alternatives I would use:
the angular scanning range of the device is an arc of 300 degrees...
Or if we want to give a sense of an area being scanned:
the angular scanning range of the device is a circular sector of 300 degrees...
Here's the definition of circular sector
Or simply:
the angular scanning range of the device is 300 degrees...
I think this is the most technically accurate one. The angular range should be described as an angle, hence measured in degrees (or rads).
answered 17 mins ago
ThanassisThanassis
1012
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Thanassis is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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2 Answers
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In English, the prefix semi usually partly, as in semiconscious or semiautomatic.
But it can also mean half, as in semiannually, which always refers to something that happens every half-year (twice yearly).
The word semicircle has a specific defined meaning: a half of a circle or of its circumference. (Source: New Oxford American Dictionary)
So no, semicircle cannot be used to refer to any part of a circle that isn't 180 degrees.
answered 8 hours ago
Steven KleinSteven Klein
1312
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This might be an unusual opinion, but when I hear "semiannually" I think "probably once every 2 years, but inconsistently so". I'm Australian, in case that's relevant.
– Clonkex
1 hour ago
add a comment |
In English, the prefix semi usually partly, as in semiconscious or semiautomatic.
But it can also mean half, as in semiannually, which always refers to something that happens every half-year (twice yearly).
The word semicircle has a specific defined meaning: a half of a circle or of its circumference. (Source: New Oxford American Dictionary)
So no, semicircle cannot be used to refer to any part of a circle that isn't 180 degrees.
answered 8 hours ago
Steven KleinSteven Klein
1312
New contributor
Steven Klein is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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This might be an unusual opinion, but when I hear "semiannually" I think "probably once every 2 years, but inconsistently so". I'm Australian, in case that's relevant.
– Clonkex
1 hour ago
add a comment |
In English, the prefix semi usually partly, as in semiconscious or semiautomatic.
But it can also mean half, as in semiannually, which always refers to something that happens every half-year (twice yearly).
The word semicircle has a specific defined meaning: a half of a circle or of its circumference. (Source: New Oxford American Dictionary)
So no, semicircle cannot be used to refer to any part of a circle that isn't 180 degrees.
answered 8 hours ago
Steven KleinSteven Klein
1312
New contributor
Steven Klein is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
In English, the prefix semi usually partly, as in semiconscious or semiautomatic.
But it can also mean half, as in semiannually, which always refers to something that happens every half-year (twice yearly).
The word semicircle has a specific defined meaning: a half of a circle or of its circumference. (Source: New Oxford American Dictionary)
So no, semicircle cannot be used to refer to any part of a circle that isn't 180 degrees.
answered 8 hours ago
Steven KleinSteven Klein
1312
New contributor
Steven Klein is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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answered 8 hours ago
Steven KleinSteven Klein
1312
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answered 8 hours ago
Steven KleinSteven Klein
1312
answered 8 hours ago
Steven KleinSteven Klein
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1312
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This might be an unusual opinion, but when I hear "semiannually" I think "probably once every 2 years, but inconsistently so". I'm Australian, in case that's relevant.
– Clonkex
1 hour ago
add a comment |
This might be an unusual opinion, but when I hear "semiannually" I think "probably once every 2 years, but inconsistently so". I'm Australian, in case that's relevant.
– Clonkex
1 hour ago
This might be an unusual opinion, but when I hear "semiannually" I think "probably once every 2 years, but inconsistently so". I'm Australian, in case that's relevant.
– Clonkex
1 hour ago
This might be an unusual opinion, but when I hear "semiannually" I think "probably once every 2 years, but inconsistently so". I'm Australian, in case that's relevant.
– Clonkex
1 hour ago
add a comment |
The answer by Steven is correct, you cannot use semicircle in this case.
Here are some alternatives I would use:
the angular scanning range of the device is an arc of 300 degrees...
Or if we want to give a sense of an area being scanned:
the angular scanning range of the device is a circular sector of 300 degrees...
Here's the definition of circular sector
Or simply:
the angular scanning range of the device is 300 degrees...
I think this is the most technically accurate one. The angular range should be described as an angle, hence measured in degrees (or rads).
answered 17 mins ago
ThanassisThanassis
1012
New contributor
Thanassis is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
The answer by Steven is correct, you cannot use semicircle in this case.
Here are some alternatives I would use:
the angular scanning range of the device is an arc of 300 degrees...
Or if we want to give a sense of an area being scanned:
the angular scanning range of the device is a circular sector of 300 degrees...
Here's the definition of circular sector
Or simply:
the angular scanning range of the device is 300 degrees...
I think this is the most technically accurate one. The angular range should be described as an angle, hence measured in degrees (or rads).
answered 17 mins ago
ThanassisThanassis
1012
New contributor
Thanassis is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
The answer by Steven is correct, you cannot use semicircle in this case.
Here are some alternatives I would use:
the angular scanning range of the device is an arc of 300 degrees...
Or if we want to give a sense of an area being scanned:
the angular scanning range of the device is a circular sector of 300 degrees...
Here's the definition of circular sector
Or simply:
the angular scanning range of the device is 300 degrees...
I think this is the most technically accurate one. The angular range should be described as an angle, hence measured in degrees (or rads).
answered 17 mins ago
ThanassisThanassis
1012
New contributor
Thanassis is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
The answer by Steven is correct, you cannot use semicircle in this case.
Here are some alternatives I would use:
the angular scanning range of the device is an arc of 300 degrees...
Or if we want to give a sense of an area being scanned:
the angular scanning range of the device is a circular sector of 300 degrees...
Here's the definition of circular sector
Or simply:
the angular scanning range of the device is 300 degrees...
I think this is the most technically accurate one. The angular range should be described as an angle, hence measured in degrees (or rads).
answered 17 mins ago
ThanassisThanassis
1012
New contributor
Thanassis is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 17 mins ago
ThanassisThanassis
1012
New contributor
Thanassis is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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answered 17 mins ago
ThanassisThanassis
1012
answered 17 mins ago
ThanassisThanassis
1012
1012
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New contributor
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add a comment |
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7
I would say the word arc can be used: "an arc of 300 degrees," or perhaps: "the scanning range of the device is an angle of 300 degrees".
– Weather Vane
10 hours ago
3
No, you can't use it. A semi-circle means half of a circle.
– ubi hatt
10 hours ago
I presume it is clear from context that you are talking about geometric angle measure, not temperature. Thus, I would get rid of the "angular scanning range" as completely superfluous non-information. Instead, you may want to add actual information, like that it is scanning range in horizontal (or vertical) plane. Or is a sphere? Or half-sphere? Look at it from the point of view of a user of the device.
– Rusty Core
7 hours ago
1
It is 5/6 of a circle.
– user207421
6 hours ago