var. of SPHÆRO-, used as combining form of SPHERE sb. (cf. F. sphéro-) in various terms, chiefly scientific and technical, as Spheroconic Math., Spherocylindric a., Spherogram Math. (see quots.). Spherograph Naut., a device serving to facilitate the calculation of spherical problems. Spherology, the science, study or theory of the sphere. † Spheromachy [L. sphæromachia, Gr. σφαιρομαχία] (see quot.). Spheromaniac, one who is passionately fond of playing at bowls. Spherophyric a. Min., Spheropolar a. Geom., Spheroquartic Math., Spherosiderite Min. (see quots.). Spherostilbite Min., a variety of stilbite, having the form of radiated spheres.
Also, in recent works of Dicts., spherobacteria, -coballite, -crystal, -mere, etc.
1867. Brande & Cox, Dict. Sci., etc. III. 532/1. *Spheroconic, the section of a sphere by a quadric cone having its vertex at the centre.
1871. [see spheroquartic].
1825. J. Nicholson, Operat. Mechanic, 541. If a cylinder intersect a sphere of greater diameter than the cylinder, the arch is called a *sphero-cylindric arch.
1870. Cayley, Math. Papers (1894), VII. 403. In the figures called *‘spherograms’ … the representation of a hemisphere is all that is required.
1858. Merc. Marine Mag., V. 231. The *Spherograph, invented by Mr. Saxby, will show … the true bearing of the Sun at any time throughout the day.
1867. Brande & Cox, Dict. Sci., etc. III. 532/1. Spherograph, an instrument invented for the practical application of spherics to navigation. By its aid any possible spherical triangle can be constructed without dividers or scales.
1656. Blount, Glossogr., *Spheromachy, playing at Tennis, or Bowling.
1906. Gentl. Mag., Dec., 631. To us as to all *spheromaniacs, a good game at bowls is the finest sport in the world.
1895. Dana, Man. Geol. (ed. 4), 77. The kind of mineral is indicated by the terms orthophyric, if orthoclase;… *spherophyric, if containing spherical concretions, etc.
1867. Brande & Cox, Dict. Sci., etc. III. 532/1. *Sphero-polar Reciprocal, [see] Polar Reciprocal.
1871. Casey, in Phil. Trans., CLXI. 585. On this account I have called this species of cyclide … a *sphero-quartic…. The sphero-quartic is the intersection of a sphere and a cone. Ibid. A sphero-quartic is the envelope of a variable circle whose centre moves along the sphero-conic, and which cuts the circle J orthogonally.
1836. T. Thomson, Min., Geol., etc. I. 444. Carbonate of Iron. Brownspar,… *spherosiderite, spathose iron.
1862. Dana, Min., 247. The globular concretions found in some amygdaloids or lavas have been called spherosiderite.
1843. Portlock, Geol., 222. At Portrush it [Stilbite] occurs white, (? *Spherostilbite,) in implanted globules.
