half

The definition of half is one of two equal parts, or an incomplete piece of something.

(adjective)

Half is defined as one of two equal parts, or a half hour of time.

(noun)

Half means partially or finished to about 50 percent.

(adverb)

An example of half used as an adverb is in the phrase "half done," which means partially done.

See half in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. halves

1. either of the two equal parts of something: the top half of the sixth inning
2. either of two approximately equal parts: the larger half of a divided pie
1. a half-hour: half past one
2. ☆ a half dollar
1. ☆ Baseball either of the two parts of an inning: the top half of the sixth inning
2. Basketball, Football, etc. either of the two equal periods of the game, between which the players rest
3. ☆ Football halfback

Origin: ME < OE healf, part, half, akin to ON halfr, Ger halb < IE (s)kelep-, lit., divided < base *(s)kel-, to cut > scalp, skill, helm

adjective

1. being either of the two equal parts
2. being about a half of the amount, length, etc.: a half mask covered his eyes
incomplete; fragmentary; partial

adverb

to an extent approximately or exactly fifty percent of the whole
1. to some extent; partly: to be half convinced
2. to a large extent or degree; nearly: often used hyperbolically: half dead with fatigue
by any means; at all: used with not: not half bad

See half in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. halves halves (hăvz, hävz)

a. One of two equal parts that together constitute a whole.
b. One part approximately equal to the remaining part.
Informal A 50-cent piece.
Sports
a. One of the two playing periods into which certain games are divided.
b. A halfback.
Chiefly British A school term; a semester.
Half an hour: a half past one.