etheric

American  

[ih-ther-ik, ih-theer-] / ɪˈθɛr ɪk, ɪˈθɪər- /

Also aetheric

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.

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Etymology

Origin of etheric

ether ( def. ) + -ic

Example Sentences

He shares it the way an arranger shares his manner of hearing a song, as texture and sequence, an etheric demeanor made material.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2024

How then do I navigate that welter of warring opinion and etheric turbulence?

From Salon • Jul. 12, 2019

It was sold by a company named Moon Juice, which called itself “a healing force, an etheric potion, a cosmic beacon for those seeking out beauty, wellness and longevity.”

From New York Times • May 25, 2017

When I return, the service is being led by Gallion, who, in the span of 20 minutes, talks about etheric doubles, Atlantis and the caste system.

From Washington Post • May 22, 2015

“I told you, Susan, when I spoke to the other Nestors here that the two new arrivals hadn’t learned etheric physics yet.”

From "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov