The spelling of the word "semihard" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. The first syllable "semi" is pronounced /ˈsɛmi/, with the stress on the first syllable. The second syllable "hard" is pronounced /hɑrd/, with the "a" sound as in "car" and no stress on the second syllable. Therefore, the word "semihard" is spelled as it sounds, with two syllables and the stress on the first syllable. It is commonly used to describe materials that are partially hard or only somewhat hard.
Semihard is an adjective that describes something that is not completely hard, but also not soft or pliable. It is an intermediate state between hardness and softness. When referring to materials or substances, semihard implies a certain level of firmness or rigidity, but with some degree of flexibility or malleability.
In the context of food, semihard typically characterizes cheeses or other dairy products that possess a moderate level of firmness. These cheeses usually retain a certain amount of moisture, allowing them to maintain their shape and structure while still being sliceable, blendable, or spreadable. Examples of semihard cheeses include cheddar, Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Swiss.
In a broader sense, semihard also applies to various non-edible objects or materials. For instance, certain types of plastics or rubbers may be classified as semihard due to their intermediate level of hardness and elasticity. These materials exhibit some resistance to deformation while still being somewhat pliable or flexible.
Overall, semihard is a term that is commonly used to describe substances, especially food products like cheese, that possess a moderate amount of firmness or hardness along with a certain level of malleability or flexibility.
Somewhat hard.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "semihard" is a combination of two morphemes: "semi-" and "hard".
- The prefix "semi-" comes from the Latin word "semi-" meaning "half" or "partially". It entered English through Old French in the 14th century.
- The word "hard" originated from the Old English word "heard", which means "tough" or "strong". It has Germanic roots and has been used in the English language since the 8th century.
Combining these two morphemes, "semihard" is formed to describe something that is partially hard or not completely difficult to break or penetrate.