atmospheric

American  

[at-muhs-fer-ik, -feer-] / ˌæt məsˈfɛr ɪk, -ˈfɪər- /

Also atmospherical

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.

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of atmospheric

First recorded in 1775–85; atmosphere + -ic

Example Sentences

By reflecting sunlight and helping cool the planet, it influences ocean circulation, atmospheric behavior, and extreme weather patterns far beyond the polar regions.

From Science Daily

At the same time, readers will encounter surprising characters in a richly researched and atmospheric history of the medical Renaissance.

From The Wall Street Journal

Researchers in atmospheric science, led by a team at Lancaster University, have calculated for the first time how much of this pollution has accumulated worldwide.

From Science Daily

They also want to explore how changes in atmospheric composition or groundwater flow may have influenced lake stability over time.

From Science Daily

Constable’s oil sketches, most unintended for public consumption, could be just as large and daring, and were prized for their extraordinarily loose paint-handling, transient atmospheric effects and true-to-nature palettes, the fruit of his plein-air practice.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• climatic
• meteorological