etheric

[ ih-ther-ik, ih-theer- ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the chemical ether:

   Efficient and selective cleavage of etheric carbon-oxygen bonds is crucial for converting biomass into liquid transportation fuels.

2. of or relating to ether, a substance believed by the ancients to fill the upper regions of space:

   Across the top of the fresco, the artist depicts allegorical representations of the planets orbiting the heavens on a rainbow ring within the etheric clouds.

3. Physics. of or relating to ether, a hypothetical substance postulated to occupy all space:

   The etheric hypothesis was effectively disproven by Einstein’s theory of relativity.

4. of or relating to the heavens or a spiritual world or plane of existence:

   Souls exist in the vast domain diversely referred to by mystics and theologians as the etheric realm, heaven, or the afterlife.

5. of or relating to a person’s aura, a quality or atmosphere seen as emanating from someone:

   The gemstones in this pendant were chosen to enhance the body's own etheric field.

6. Rare. ethereal.

Word History and Origins

Origin of etheric¹

ether ( def ) + -ic

Example Sentences

This little gun is the projector for a new ray which I have discovered—an etheric vibration of extremely short wavelength.

From Project Gutenberg

Accordingly Meakin remained in Germany for special training, so that he might act as the "etheric link" between the two countries.

From Project Gutenberg

Human thought is an etheric wave of the same essential nature as the radio wave.

From Project Gutenberg

Human will power can alter the rate of vibration of the line of force, or etheric wave.

From Project Gutenberg

Many of his experiments with sound and etheric waves required absolute quiet and freedom from interrupting noises.

From Project Gutenberg