Where does “semisterile” come from?

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

semisterile (English): Partially sterile

Definitions

  1. Partially sterile

Ancestry of “semisterile”, step by step

semisterile 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 sterile

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishsterileUnable to reproduce; Terse; lacking sentiment or...
2Middle Frenchstérile
3Latinsterilisbarren, sterile; unprofitable, futile
4Proto-Indo-Europeanster-sterile, infertile
Every word from Proto-Indo-European sēmi
semisterile — Etymology, Origin & Word History | Etymology Explorer