Where does “semifamine” come from?

semifamine (English) comes from English semi, from English semi-, from Latin sēmi-, from Proto-Indo-European sēmi — half; partially.

semifamine (English): A state of partial famine

Definitions

  1. A state of partial famine

Ancestry of “semifamine”, step by step

semifamine traces back through two separate lines of ancestry.

via English semi

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishsemiA semi-detached house; A semitrailer; a...
2Englishsemi-half; partial, incomplete; somewhat, rather,...
3Latinsēmi-half
4Proto-Indo-Europeansēmihalf; partially

via English famine

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishfamineExtreme shortage of food in a region; A period of...
2Middle Frenchfamine
3Latinfamēshunger
4Proto-Indo-EuropeandʰH-to disappear
Every word from Proto-Indo-European sēmiEvery word from English semi-Every word from English semi
semifamine — Etymology, Origin & Word History | Etymology Explorer