What is a Semester means? Semester Definition and Meaning | Infothora

What is a Semester means?

Pronunciation : /sɪˈmɛstə/

A Semester is a word used in academics. Literally, a semester is a six-month period of the annual academic year.

In several academic institutions, a semester is constituting half of the regular academic year, lasting generally from fifteen to eighteen weeks.

A six-month semester system is mostly followed in India and in most Asian countries.

Semester - Definition

noun

- a half-year term in a school or university, particularly in North America, generally lasting for fifteen to eighteen weeks.
-(in several academic institutions) a division constituting half of the regular academic year, lasting generally from fifteen to eighteen weeks.
-(in German universities) a session, which lasts about six months and including periods of recess.

How many semesters are in a year?

There are two semesters in a year. 

Beginning in August or September, fall and beginning in January, spring. Some semester-based institutions also offer Summer sessions that are shorter than a regular semester and are not a part of the regular academic year.

In India, a semester starts from  August to December and from February to June. The majority of academic degree courses are 8 semesters (four years) long or 10 semesters (five years) long.

Semester - Origin

It comes from the Latin Word sēmestris (sex-mēnstris), which means “half-yearly,” from sex, means “six,” and mensis, means “a month.”