/sfɪə(r); sfɪr/
n
1 (a) solid figure that is entirely round (ie with every point on the surface at an equal distance from the centre) 球体; 球形. =>illus at cube 见cube插图.
(b) any object having approximately this shape (eg a ball, a globe) 球状物.
2 (a) range or extent (of sb's interests, activity, influence, etc) （某人的兴趣、活动、影响等的）范围
*a sphere of influence, eg area over which a country, etc claims certain rights 势力范围（如一国的）
* Her sphere of interests is very limited. 她的爱好很有限.
(b) group in society; person's place in society 社会阶层; 社会地位
*It took him completely out of his sphere. 这件事完全超出了他的生活范围了.
* distinguished in many different spheres, eg in artistic, literary and political circles 在许多领域出众（如艺术、文学、政治等方面）.

n[C]

[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French;Origin: espere, from Latin sphaera, from Greek sphaira 'ball, sphere']
a ball shape
a particular area of activity, work, knowledge etc
in ... sphere
　television's increasing role in the political sphere
public/private sphere
　Women have often been excluded from positions of power in the public sphere.
sb's/sth's sphere of influence
a person, country's, organization's etc sphere of influence is the area where they have power to change things