Which term means half?

• A. Sebum
• B. Sect
• C. Semi
• D. Sept

Answer: (C)

This question tests recognizing prefixes that express quantity, specifically half. Semi literally means half or partial, and it shows up in medical terms to indicate something is not whole—like semicircular (half-circle) or semiconscious (partially conscious). The other terms don’t convey half: sebum is the oily secretion from sebaceous glands; sect comes from a root meaning to cut or divide; sept relates to a wall or barrier (as in septum) and can also appear in contexts referring to seven, but not half. So semi is the best term to denote half.