atmosphere

at·mo·sphere

noun \ˈat-mə-ˌsfir\

Definition of ATMOSPHERE

1

a : the gaseous envelope of a celestial body (as a planet) b : the whole mass of air surrounding the earth

2

: the air of a locality

3

: a surrounding influence or environment <an atmosphere of hostility>

4

: a unit of pressure equal to the pressure of the air at sea level or approximately 14.7 pounds per square inch (101,325 pascals)

5

a : the overall aesthetic effect of a work of art b : an intriguing or singular tone, effect, or appeal <an inn with atmosphere>

— at·mo·sphered \-ˌsfird\ adjective

Examples of ATMOSPHERE

1. Experts have noticed changes in the atmosphere.
2. Meteoroids burn up as they pass through Earth's atmosphere.
3. The planets have different atmospheres.
4. a country inn with lots of atmosphere
5. The food was good but the restaurant has no atmosphere.

Origin of ATMOSPHERE

New Latin atmosphaera, from Greek atmos vapor + Latin sphaera sphere

First Known Use: 1677

Related to ATMOSPHERE

Synonyms: air, ambience (or ambiance), aroma, aura, climate, flavor, halo, karma, mood, nimbus, note, odor, patina, smell, temper, vibration(s)

Related Words: aureole (or aureola), mystique, romance; genius loci; feel, feeling, sensation, sense, spirit; attribute, character, characteristic, image, mark, notion, peculiarity, picture, property, trait; color, illusion, overtone, semblance, suggestion, tone

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Other Climate/Meteorology Terms

monsoon, occlusion, ozone, rime, squall, zephyr

Rhymes with ATMOSPHERE

Agadir, auctioneer, balladeer, bandolier, bathysphere, bayadere, Bedfordshire, Bedivere, belvedere, bend one's ear, biosphere, bombardier, boutonniere, brigadier, buccaneer, budgeteer, Cambridgeshire, cameleer, cannoneer, canyoneer, cassimere, cavalier, chandelier, chanticleer, chevalier, chiffonier, chocolatier, chromosphere, commandeer, corsetiere, crystal clear, cuirassier, Derbyshire, diapir, disappear, domineer, ecosphere, Elzevir, engineer, exosphere, fallow deer, fictioneer, financier, fiscal year, fourdrinier, fusilier, gadgeteer, gasolier, gazetteer, ginger beer, Gloucestershire, gondolier, grenadier, Guinevere, hemisphere, Hertfordshire, Holy Year, inner ear, insincere, interfere, in the clear, jardiniere, junketeer, kerseymere, landing gear, lavaliere, marketeer, Meyerbeer, middle ear, missileer, mountaineer, muleteer, musketeer, mutineer, on one's ear, outer ear, overhear, overseer, oversteer, Oxfordshire, pamphleteer, persevere, photosphere, pioneer, pistoleer, privateer, profiteer, puppeteer, racketeer, rocketeer, running gear, scrutineer, sloganeer, sonneteer, souvenir, Staffordshire, steering gear, stratosphere, summiteer, swimmer's ear, thermosphere, troposphere, Tyne and Wear, understeer, vintage year, Vladimir, volunteer, Warwickshire, Windermere, yesteryear