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stratosphere


strato·sphere

noun \ˈstra-tə-ˌsfir\

Definition of STRATOSPHERE

1
: the part of the earth's atmosphere which extends from the top of the troposphere to about 30 miles (50 kilometers) above the surface and in which temperature increases gradually to about 32° F (0° C) and clouds rarely form
2
: a very high or the highest region on or as if on a graded scale <construction costs in the stratosphere> <the celebrity stratosphere>
strato·spher·ic \ˌstra-tə-ˈsfir-ik, -ˈsfer-\ adjective
strato·spher·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Origin of STRATOSPHERE

French stratosphère, from New Latin stratum + -o- + French sphère sphere, from Latin sphaera
First Known Use: 1909

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