atmospheric electricity
1
7.6
- noun
- /ˌætməsˈfɛrɪk ɪˈlɛktrɪsɪti/
- Specialized
:
electricidad atmosférica
- In recent years, airborne studies of atmospheric electricity have enabled researchers to avoid the turbulence of the planetary boundary layer.
Examples
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From 1991 to 1993, we operated a suite of atmospheric electricity instruments at South Pole Station.
Academic text (1998) -
The secret you're trying to solve, it's greater... ...and I mean much greater than an engine that runs on atmospheric electricity.
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Atmospheric electricity measurements are often made with "field mills," using electrostatic induction.
Academic text (1998) -
Researchers are examining various phenomena related to atmospheric electricity, particularly its role in lightning formation.
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The phenomenon of atmospheric electricity can be observed during thunderstorms, when lightning strikes are frequent.
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Electromagnetic waves can be generated by atmospheric electricity, which is vital for understanding weather patterns.
How Electric
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1.0
- Specialized
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4.2
- Specialized
1
7.6
- Specialized
10
6.5
- Specialized
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly and compositionally derived from 'atmospheric' (pertaining to the atmosphere) + 'electricity' (electrical phenomena); a B1 learner who knows both words can infer it refers to electrical phenomena in the atmosphere (e.g., lightning, static). Although somewhat technical, the noun-noun composition follows regular, cross-linguistic patterns, so the sense is transparent.
Etymology
Atmospheric electricity comes from a simple image: atmospheric means the 'air' or 'sky' and electricity means invisible 'charge' that can make sparks or 'lightning'. So the phrase describes the electrical charges and sparks that happen in the air, like lightning during storms.