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

For Florida State University atmospheric scientist Michael Diamond, however, the sudden rerouting of commercial vessels created a rare chance to investigate a major climate question -- How much do cleaner fuels change how clouds form?

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California depends on just a few strong atmospheric river storms to provide moisture; as little as five to seven can end up being responsible for more than half of the year’s water supply, he said.

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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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Related Words

• climatic 
• meteorological