Semiclassical
/ˌsɛmiˈklæsɪkəl/noun
Relating to a style, theory, or approach that combines classical elements with modern or simplified ones.
Did you know?Unlike occult-sounding words such as spell or glamour, semiclassical is a modern scholarly formation from Latin roots, built with the prefix semi- meaning “half” and classical from classis, originally tied to social rank.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
classis
“A division of the Roman people according to property rank; later, a military or social class.”
Late Latin
Latin
classicus
“Belonging to the highest class; first-rate, standard, exemplary.”
16th Century
English
classical
“Relating to the literary and artistic standards of ancient Greece and Rome.”
Latin
Latin
semi-
“Half, partly, or in incomplete degree.”
19th–20th Century
English
semiclassical
“Partly classical in style, method, or interpretation.”