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

Forecasters noted that atmospheric moisture readings from San Diego almost mirrored those from Key West on Thursday — or about 200% of normal for Southern California.

From Los Angeles Times

Few bands have celebrated the concept of a B-side as an excuse to explore all sorts of oblique ideas and atmospheric impressions with the glee of Saint Etienne.

From Los Angeles Times

"It's the result of a rare 'atmospheric tango' between the monsoon and the westerly disturbance," said Akshay Deoras, a research scientist with the department of meteorology at University of Reading in the UK.

From BBC

Minimizing flaring permits is “not a priority in any sense” for the Railroad Commission, said Gunnar Schade, an associate professor of atmospheric sciences at Texas A&M University.

From Salon

The authors include veterans in atmospheric science, physics, ecology, forecast modeling and several other fields at universities, think tanks and research institutions in the United States and abroad.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• climatic 
• meteorological