half

1. (n) One of two usually roughly equal parts into which anything may be divided, or considered as divided. 2. (n) (sports) One of two equal periods into which a game is divided. 3. (n) (sports) One of the two opposite parts of the playing field of various sports, in which each starts the game. 4. (n) Half of a standard measure, chiefly: 5. (n) (British) half a pint of beer or cider. (Refusing a pint) Just a half, thank you. (Offering to top up a pint glass) Do you want a half in that? (Minimizing the amount of drink taken) A swift half at the Pear Tree. 6. (n) (liquor trade) A barrel measure of 27 gallons (half a hogshead). 7. (n) (preceded by “a” or a number) The fraction obtained by dividing 1 by 2. 8. (n) Any of the three terms at Eton College, for Michaelmas, Lent, and summer. 9. (n) (slang) A half sibling. 10. (n) (UK, dated) A child ticket. Two and a half to Paddington. 11. (n) (sports) abbreviated form for half marathon. 12. (adj) Consisting of a half (½, 50%). 13. (adj) Consisting of some indefinite portion resembling a half; approximately a half, whether more or less; partial; imperfect. 14. (adj) (of a sibling) Having one parent (rather than two) in common. 15. (adj) (of a relative other than a sibling) Related through one common grandparent or ancestor rather than two. 16. (adv) In two equal parts or to an equal degree. 17. (adv) In some part approximating a half. 18. (adv) Partially; imperfectly. 19. (adv) Practically, nearly. 20. (v) (transitive, obsolete) To halve. 21. (n) (numismatic slang) Clipping of half-dollar. [A coin worth one half of a dollar, typically 50 cents.]