I. “+ adjective
Etymology: semi- + final
1. : next to the last
2. : of or participating in a semifinal
II. noun
: a semifinal round, match, heat, or game:
a. : the next to the last round in an elimination tournament in which four players or teams are paired off in two matches and the winner of each moves on to the final match
b. : a series of contests (as in track and field events) designed to eliminate all but the number designated to participate in the final event