'semi-covered' originates from the Latin prefix 'semi-' meaning 'half' combined with English 'covered' (from 'cover'). 'Semi-' comes from Latin 'semi-' meaning 'half', and 'cover' ultimately derives from Old French 'covrir' (from Latin 'cooperire').

'cover' changed from Old French 'covrir' (from Latin 'cooperire') and became Middle English 'cover'; the compound 'semi-covered' is a modern English formation using the prefix 'semi-' + past participle 'covered'.

Initially the elements meant 'half' + 'to cover'; the modern compound has kept this basic sense and now means 'partially covered'.