atmosphere Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a particular environment or surrounding influence
    ambience; ambiance.
    • there was an atmosphere of excitement
  2. noun a unit of pressure: the pressure that will support a column of mercury 760 mm high at sea level and 0 degrees centigrade
    standard pressure; atm; standard atmosphere.
  3. noun the mass of air surrounding the Earth
    air.
    • there was great heat as the comet entered the atmosphere
    • it was exposed to the air
  4. noun the weather or climate at some place
    atmospheric state.
    • the atmosphere was thick with fog
  5. noun the envelope of gases surrounding any celestial body
  6. noun a distinctive but intangible quality surrounding a person or thing
    aura; air.
    • an air of mystery
    • the house had a neglected air
    • an atmosphere of defeat pervaded the candidate's headquarters
    • the place had an aura of romance

WordNet

At"mos*phere noun
Etymology
Gr. vapor (akin to Skr. atman breath, soul, G. athem breath) + sphere: cf. F. atmosphère. See Sphere.
Definitions
  1. (Physics) (a) The whole mass of aëriform fluid surrounding the earth; -- applied also to the gaseous envelope of any celestial orb, or other body; as, the atmosphere of Mars. (b) Any gaseous envelope or medium.
    An atmosphere of cold oxygen. Miller.
  2. A supposed medium around various bodies; as, electrical atmosphere, a medium formerly supposed to surround electrical bodies. Franklin.
  3. The pressure or weight of the air at the sea level, on a unit of surface, or about 14.7 Ibs. to the sq. inch.
    Hydrogen was liquefied under a pressure of 650 atmospheres. Lubbock.
  4. Any surrounding or pervading influence or condition.
    The chillest of social atmospheres. Hawthorne.
  5. The portion of air in any locality, or affected by a special physical or sanitary condition; as, the atmosphere of the room; a moist or noxious atmosphere.

Webster 1913