atmospheric
Americanadjective
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pertaining to, existing in, or consisting of the atmosphere.
atmospheric vapors.
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caused by, produced by, or operated on by the atmosphere.
atmospheric storms.
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resembling or suggestive of the atmosphere; having muted tones and softened or indistinct outlines; hazy.
atmospheric effects.
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having or producing an emotional atmosphere.
atmospheric quality; atmospheric lighting.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of atmospheric
First recorded in 1775–85; atmosphere + -ic
Explanation
Something that's atmospheric is related to a planet's atmosphere, or the gases that surround it. Atmospheric pollution can sometimes cause asthma and other breathing problems. All planets have an atmosphere, layers of gas that are held close to them by their gravitational pull. The atmospheric conditions on Earth have allowed many life forms to develop, but global warming is a serious atmospheric problem that is getting worse. Every planet has its own unique atmospheric makeup. The adjective atmospheric comes from atmosphere, which stems from the Greek root words atmos, "steam or vapor," and spharia, "sphere or globe."
Vocabulary lists containing atmospheric
This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for February 3–February 9, 2024
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This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for October 23–October 29, 2021
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"Modern Automotive Technology," Vocabulary from Section 4
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The result is an atmospheric film that gradually draws the viewer to the other side, revealing the terror that seeks to infiltrate the characters' world.
From Barron's ● Aug. 19, 2026
Japan's Meteorological Agency said the most recent deluge was brought by warm, humid air flowing into the country's east that combined with cold air above to make atmospheric conditions extremely unstable.
From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026
El Niño is a climate pattern characterized by warmer ocean waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific, coupled with changing atmospheric conditions, in which the typical east-to-west trade winds weaken or even reverse.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2026
Accurately measuring atmospheric density at these heights is therefore important for forecasting satellite motion and reducing the risk of collisions.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 12, 2026
This would make sense if the atmospheric regulator were on, but I'd cut power to it.
From "The Martian" by Andy Weir
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
