often attributive
1
a
: the mixture of invisible odorless tasteless gases (such as nitrogen and oxygen) that surrounds the earth
also
: the equivalent mix of gases on another planet
… the thin, frigid air of Mars. —
Stefano S. Coledan
b
: a light breeze
c
archaic
: breath
2
3
a
: outward appearance of a thing
an air of luxury
b
: a surrounding or pervading influence : atmosphere
an air of mystery
c
: the look, appearance, or bearing of a person especially as expressive of some personal quality or emotion : demeanor
an air of dignity
d
: an artificial or affected manner
put on airs
4
a
: nothingness
—usually used in the phrases into thin air and out of thin air
vanished/disappeared into thin air… nor did any of them seem to have noticed that six people had just melted into thin air in front of them.—
J. K. Rowling… jobs can't just be created out of thin air.—
The Wall Street Journal
b
: empty space
c
old-fashioned
: a sudden severance of relations
She gave me the air.
5
6
: an air-conditioning system
a house with central air
7
: public utterance
He gave air to his opinion.
8
: a football offense utilizing primarily the forward pass
Trailing by 20 points, the team took to the air.
9
: the height achieved in performing an aerial maneuver
a snowboarder catching big air
also
: the maneuver itself
10
airlessness
noun
aired; airing; airs
1
: to expose to the air for drying, purifying, or refreshing : ventilate
—often used with out
He opened the windows to air out the room.
2
: to expose to public view or bring to public notice
aired their complaints
3
: to transmit by radio or television
air a program
1
: to become exposed to the open air
The blankets were left outside to air.
2
: to become broadcast
a program that airs daily
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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