noun
atmosphere
AT-muh-sfeer/ˈætməsfɪr/
The surrounding envelope of air or gases.
Earth's atmosphere forms a thin blue envelope around the planet.
Etymology
The pieces describe a 'sphere of vapor': a gaseous envelope around a world. The name reflects the older conception of the lower air as vaporous material surrounding the earth.
In context
This is a stratosphere. It's the second layer of our atmosphere, and within it we have our ozone layer.
More examples
- The planet has a thin atmosphere composed mainly of carbon dioxide.
- Soft lighting creates a relaxed atmosphere in the restaurant.
- The meeting began in an atmosphere of mutual suspicion.
Forms
atmosphere · atmospheres
Similar words
- air
- Names Earth's familiar gas mixture rather than any planetary envelope.
- ambience
- Specifically means the mood or character of a place.