Definition of atmospheric
1a : of, relating to, or occurring in the atmosphere atmospheric dustb : resembling the atmosphere : airy
2 : having, marked by, or contributing aesthetic or emotional atmosphere an atmospheric inn; also : marked by an emphasis on impression or tone
From the M-W Editors
Recent Examples of atmospheric from the Web
-
In the blistering summer, an atmospheric lid traps haze, sometimes darkened by mountain forest fires.
-
The moon above the stage is particularly appropriate in this year's exhibit, because other artists also opt for atmospheric effects and sometimes nocturnal settings.
-
Mars has an atmospheric pressure of less than one percent of Earth's atmosphere.
-
The data could help shed light on atmospheric mixing and the behavior of waves in the stratosphere that play a role in weather on Earth’s surface.
-
Each extinction was in some way associated with drastic changes in the planet's atmospheric CO2 levels.
-
And the extent to which the earth can provide habitats for plants and animals, sequester atmospheric carbon and regulate the flow of freshwater depends on the vastness of the least affected regions.
-
Still, limiting the rise in atmospheric temperatures will at least give reefs some time to adapt.
-
The atmospheric concentration of the gas has risen by about 43 percent since the Industrial Revolution.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'atmospheric.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of atmospheric
1722
ATMOSPHERIC Defined for English Language Learners
atmospheric
playDefinition of atmospheric for English Language Learners
-
: of or relating to the atmosphere of the Earth or another planet
-
: creating a pleasant or exciting mood or feeling
ATMOSPHERIC Defined for Kids
atmospheric
playDefinition of atmospheric for Students
: of or relating to the atmosphere atmospheric gases
Learn More about atmospheric
-
See words that rhyme with atmospheric Spanish Central: Translation of atmospheric Nglish: Translation of atmospheric for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of atmospheric for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up atmospheric? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!