atmospheric

Also at·mos·pher·i·cal

[at-muhs-fer-ik, -feer-]

adjective

1. pertaining to, existing in, or consisting of the atmosphere.

   atmospheric vapors.

2. caused by, produced by, or operated on by the atmosphere.

   atmospheric storms.

3. resembling or suggestive of the atmosphere; having muted tones and softened or indistinct outlines; hazy.

   atmospheric effects.

4. having or producing an emotional atmosphere.

   atmospheric quality; atmospheric lighting.

Other Word Forms

• atmospherically adverb
• nonatmospheric adjective
• nonatmospherical adjective
• nonatmospherically adverb
• unatmospheric adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of atmospheric¹

First recorded in 1775–85; atmosphere + -ic

Example Sentences

In a negative storm, particle levels in the ionosphere drop sharply over large areas when intense heating alters atmospheric chemistry.

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A research group led by Professor Fumiaki Amano at Tokyo Metropolitan University has focused on the electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction, an emerging method that creates ammonia from nitrates at room temperature and normal atmospheric pressure.

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The Sierra Nevada resort had initially announced a Nov. 14 opening date, but pushed it off as an atmospheric river storm swept across the state.

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Over the past several years, researchers have created a range of sponge-like materials that make this type of "atmospheric water harvesting" possible.

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At MOCA, about 300 Angelenos braved an atmospheric river to sit in the darkened former police car warehouse bathed in red light.

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Related Words

• climatic 
• meteorological