(1)球体(形);球状物(entirely round solid object，or any object or figure having approximately this shape)[C]：a perfect～精确的球体;geometry of～s 球面几何学;A～is shaped like a ball. 球体形状如球。〖同〗 ball，globe;

(2)范围，领域 (area or range of sb's influence，activity，interests，etc)[C]：a～of knowledge 知识范围;sb's～of interests 某人的兴趣范围;in/outside the～of sb's activities 在某人的活动范围之内/外;within sb's～of influence 在某人影响范围之内;Biology is not (in)/lies outside my～. 生物学不是我的研究领域。〖同〗orbit，area，scope;

(3)社会地位(阶层) (person's social position;group in society)[C]：take sb out of his～使某人超出其生活范围;be famous/distinguished in many～s 在各界有名/出众;move in more exalted～s 进入更高的社会圈子;

→′spherical adj 球形的;′spheroid n 扁球体;

【辨异】sphere与globe和ball¹的区别见BALL¹。