Sphe*not"ic (?), a. [Spheno- + &?;&?;&?;, &?;&?;&?;, the ear.] (Anat.)
Of, pertaining to, or designating, the sphenotic bone.
Sphenotic bone (Anat.), a bone on the anterior side of the auditory
capsule of many fishes, and connected with, or adjoining, the sphenoid
bone.
Sphe*not"ic, n. (Anat.) The sphenotic bone.
Spher"al (?), a. 1. Of or pertaining to a sphere or the spheres.
2. Rounded like a sphere; sphere-shaped; hence, symmetrical; complete;
perfect.
Sphere (?), n. [OE. spere, OF. espere, F. sphère, L. sphaera,. Gr.
&?;&?;&?; a sphere, a ball.] 1. (Geom.) A body or space contained under
a single surface, which in every part is equally distant from a point
within called its center.
2. Hence, any globe or globular body, especially a celestial one, as
the sun, a planet, or the earth.
Of celestial bodies, first the sun, A mighty sphere, he framed.
Milton.
3. (Astron.) (a) The apparent surface of the heavens, which is assumed
to be spherical and everywhere equally distant, in which the heavenly
bodies appear to have their places, and on which the various
astronomical circles, as of right ascension and declination, the
equator, ecliptic, etc., are conceived to be drawn; an ideal
geometrical sphere, with the astronomical and geographical circles in
their proper positions on it. (b) In ancient astronomy, one of the
concentric and eccentric revolving spherical transparent shells in
which the stars, sun, planets, and moon were supposed to be set, and by
which they were carried, in such a manner as to produce their apparent
motions.
4. (Logic) The extension of a general conception, or the totality of
the individuals or species to which it may be applied.
5. Circuit or range of action, knowledge, or influence; compass;
province; employment; place of existence.
To be called into a huge sphere, and not to be seen to move in 't.
Shak.
Taking her out of the ordinary relations with humanity, and
inclosing her in a sphere by herself.
Hawthorne.
Each in his hidden sphere of joy or woe Our hermit spirits dwell.
Keble.