The spelling of the word "hemimorphy" may seem tricky at first glance, but with some knowledge of phonetics, it becomes easier to understand. The word is pronounced /hɛmɪˈmɔːfi/ and denotes a type of symmetry in which only one half of an object or organism is symmetrical over a plane. The "hemi-" prefix means "half", while "morph" refers to the form or shape. Thus, "hemimorphy" literally means "half-form", which accurately describes the symmetry it denotes.
The word "hemimorphy" is formed by combining two Greek roots: "hemi-" meaning half, and "morphy" meaning form or shape. "Hemi-" is derived from the Greek word "hēmi-" which conveys the concept of being halfway or half. "Morphē" comes from the Greek word "morphḗ" meaning form or shape. Therefore, "hemimorphy" refers to something that has a half or partial form or shape.