atmosphere Hear it!

atmosphere Definition

at·mos·phere (at′məs fir′)

noun

  1. the gaseous envelope (air) surrounding the earth to a height of c. 1,000 km (c. 621 mi): it is c. 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen, and 1% other gases, and rotates with the earth, because of gravity
  2. the gaseous mass surrounding any star, planet, etc.
  3. the air in any given place
  4. a pervading or surrounding influence or spirit; general mood or social environment
  5. the general tone of a work of art a play with a fateful atmosphere
  6. Informal an interesting, often exotic, effect produced by decoration, furnishings, etc. a restaurant with atmosphere
  7. Physics a standard unit of pressure used to measure atmospheric pressure, equal to the pressure exerted by a column of mercury that is 760 millimeters (29.9213 inches) high at 0°C at sea level (101,325 pascals or 1,013.25 millibars or 14.70 pounds per square inch): abbrev. atm

Etymology: ModL atmosphaera < Gr atmos, vapor + sphaira, sphere

atmosphere Synonyms

atmosphere

n.

  1. The air

    layer of air, gaseous envelope, air pressure; see air 1.

  2. A pervading quality

    environment, ambience, climate, mood; see character 1, characteristic.

atmosphere Telecom Definition
The mixture of gases that surrounds and is retained by the gravity of a celestial body such as the Earth.The atmosphere is denser near the Earths surface, and becomes gradually thinner until it fades away into space. Particularly near the Earths surface, the physical matter in the atmosphere attenuates electromagnetic signals due to absorption, refraction and other phenomena. At the outer limits of the atmosphere are four layers of the ionosphere, which is useful for skywave radio propagation. See also attenuation, ionosphere, propagation, refraction, and skywave.
atmosphere Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • distrust: The home secretary also warned the government must " change or die " in the current atmosphere of public distrust.
  • tranquility: The Old Chapel, West Taphouse The lovingly renovated Broadoaks parish chapel, combining an atmosphere of tranquility with a superb central location.
  • hysteria: The case for Inherited Memory is contraversial and wide ranging discussions proliferate amid an atmosphere of almost hysteria.
  • warmth: People associate the Coliseum with strong traditions and an atmosphere of warmth that is peculiar to Oldham.

Possessives

  • earth: Unable to penetrate the Earth's atmosphere, the X-rays from the flare can only be detected from space.

Converse of object

  • relax: The relaxed, elegant atmosphere adds to the feeling of serenity inside the cabin.
  • create: Creates a relaxing atmosphere in your garden, patio or balcony.
  • recreate: The modern walled garden recreates the peaceful atmosphere traditionally associated with enclosed religious houses.
  • evoke: Almond's brilliant characterisation and ability to evoke atmosphere, time and place mixes the real and unreal in a totally believable way.
  • pollute: Over the following years these emission limits will be lowered to further encourage the driving of cars which pollute the atmosphere less.
  • capture: We think you made an excellent job of capturing the atmosphere of what we are trying to sell.

Adjective modifier

  • friendly: Red House Hotel, Exeter, Devon Family run with a warm & friendly atmosphere.
  • relaxing: Creates a relaxing atmosphere in your garden, patio or balcony.
  • informal: The courses are run in a friendly informal atmosphere by experienced radio amateurs.
  • homely: At Mayday Birth Center - a midwife only unit with birthing pools, beanbags, subtle lighting and a homely atmosphere.
  • intimate: There was a very intimate atmosphere on the course that lent itself well to working collaboratively, which is what acting is all about.
  • cozy: All rooms are on the same level with a wood beamed lounge, spacious yet retaining that cozy cottage atmosphere.

Noun used with modifier

  • carnival: Old and young people caught the carnival atmosphere and organizers said the event had been a great day.
  • celebratory: Here having live music from the quartet can really add to the celebratory atmosphere as guests relax and enjoy themselves.
  • worlde: Food is served in the Stove Restaurant where the wooden beams and red brick create an olde worlde atmosphere.
atmosphere Quotes

The academic atmosphere, produced mainly by the humanities, is the onlyatmosphere in which pure science can flourish.

—Steacie, E W

Sin duda la cercan|¤a de la muerte y la fraternidad de las armas producen, en todos los tiempos y en todos los pa|¤ses, una atmo¤  sfera propicia a lo extraordinario, a todo aquello que sobrepasa la condicio¤  n humana y rompe el c|¤rculo de soledad que rodea a cada hombre. No doubt the nearness of death and the brotherhood of men-at-wars, at whatever time and in whatever country, always produce an atmosphere favorable to the extraordinary, to all that rises above the human condition and breaks the circle of solitude that surrounds each one of us.

—Paz, Octavio

My brothers and sister and I were brought up in an atmosphere which I would describe as 'Puritan decadence'. Puritanism names the behaviour which is condemned; Puritan decadence regards the name itself as indecent, and pretends that the object behind that name does not exist until it is named.

—Spender, Sir Stephen Harold

In the meantime alcohol produces a delightful social atmosphere that nothing else can produce.

—Bennett, (Enoch) Arnold

Every occupation, unless it employs the whole mind and satisfies the human creative instinct, is to some extent absurd; and abouttheadvertising business what I chiefly disliked was not so much the work I did as its general atmosphere of unreality.We dealt in fairy-goldöin fugitive dreams and illusions.

—Quennell, Sir Peter Courtney

That it is at least as difficult to staya moral infection as a physical one; that such a disease will spread with the malignityand rapidity of the Plague; that the contagion, when it has once made head, will spare no pursuit or condition, but will lay hold on people in the soundest health, and become developed inthe most unlikely constitutions; is a fact as firmlyestablished by experience as that we human creatures breathe an atmosphere.

—Dickens, CharlesJohn Huffam

Just as a stone flung into the water becomes the centre and cause of many circles, and as sound diffuses itself in circles in the air; so any object, placed in the luminous atmosphere, diffuses itself in circles, and fills the surrounding air with infinite images of itself.

—Leonardo daVinci