sphere
/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）.