In this paper, we present the novel concept of fuzzy semi-numbers. Then, a method for assigning distance between every pair of fuzzy semi-numbers is given. Moreover, it is shown that this distance is a metric on the set of all trapezoidal fuzzy semi-numbers with the same height and is a pseudo-metric on the set of all fuzzy semi-numbers. Also, by utilizing this distance, we propose an approximation of a fuzzy semi-number with given height and apply this approximation method in a medical case study.