Main Entry:: ¹half
Pronunciation:: \ˈhaf, ˈhäf\
Function:: noun
Inflected Form(s):: plural halves \ˈhavz, ˈhävz\
Etymology:: Middle English, from Old English healf; akin to Old High German halb half
Date:: before 12th century

1 a: either of two equal parts that compose something ; also : a part approximately equal to one of these <half the distance> <the larger half of the fortune> b: half an hour —used in designation of time2: one of a pair: as a: partner b: semester , term c: either of the two equal periods that together make up the playing time of some games (as football) ; also : the midpoint in playing time <the score was tied at the half> 3: half-dollar4: halfback

— by half

: by a great deal

— by halves

: in part : halfheartedly

— half again as

: one-and-a-half times as <half again as many>

— in half

: into two equal or nearly equal parts

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