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atmosphere

atmosphere

406 3.5
The layer of gases that surrounds a planet
  • noun
  • /ˈætməsˌfɪr/
translation icon : atmósfera
  • Astronauts need to wear special suits to survive when they exit the atmosphere.
  • Earth's atmosphere
  • CO2 in the atmosphere
  • carbon in the atmosphere

You hit all the gases in the atmosphere and you slow down, drag.

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Examples

  • The Earth’s atmosphere protects us from harmful solar radiation.

  • We're now in the atmosphere of Earth.

  • Luckily, Earth does have an atmosphere, and that keeps us warm.

  • The transfer of carbon from the atmosphere to plants occurs through photosynthesis.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Every schoolchild learns about the role of the atmosphere in Earth's water cycle.

    Academic text (2012)
  • David hopped out into the thin Martian atmosphere, far too light for humans to breathe.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Scientists study the composition of the atmosphere to understand climate change better.

Synonyms

air
vsatmosphere
1.0

The mixture of gases people and animals breathe

describes the layer of gases that surrounds a planet or other celestial body

Compounds

A noisy, chaotic scene with many excited people and cameras

A strong feeling of excitement and tension in a place

standard atmosphere
  • Specialized
1 6.1

The usual air pressure at sea level used for checking and calibrating instruments

A friendly, comfortable feeling that makes people feel welcome

A feeling like being on a boat because of ropes, wood, and sea items

A place that makes people feel relaxed and peaceful

A warm, cozy feeling like you are with a close family

A warm, comfortable feeling in a room that makes you feel relaxed

divey atmosphere
  • Informal
8.2

A relaxed, slightly run-down feeling in a bar or small restaurant that is friendly and informal

febrile atmosphere
  • Literature
8.4

A strong feeling of excitement and nervous energy among people

A very sad, quiet mood after someone dies

A comfortable, familiar place that feels used and cared for by people

A place full of energy where people talk, laugh, and enjoy themselves

9.9

A quiet, mysterious mood that feels magical

A feeling of drama and magic like a scene from a movie

Gothic atmosphere
  • Literature
8.4

A dark, mysterious, and scary mood in a place or story

A gloomy, joking copy of the dark mood in old ghost stories

A calm peaceful place or time with no worry

A cheerful, lively feeling that makes people enjoy themselves

A friendly, relaxed place like a pub with wooden tables and dim lights

A feeling of excitement and worry about what will happen next

wild atmosphere
  • Informal
4.1

A loud, exciting scene where people act without control

How Dense

solid
  • Specialized
9 1.0
atmosphere
406 3.5
rarefaction
  • Specialized
1 9.9
vacuum
  • Specialized
77 4.2

Surface Forms

atmosphere singular
atmospheres plural

Morphology

atmosphere = sphere (opaque) = atmo + sphere

The combining form 'atmo-' is not a recognizable productive morpheme for most learners, so they cannot reliably infer 'layer of gases' from 'atmo' + 'sphere'.

Etymology

Atmosphere comes from the Greek parts atmos 'vapor' and sphaira 'sphere'. It meant a 'vapor sphere' around a planet, which is why we use it for the layer of gases that surrounds the Earth.