Definition

Noun: 1. The envelope of gases surrounding a planet or celestial body: The mixture of gases, primarily nitrogen and oxygen, that surrounds the Earth and is retained by gravity. 2. The air in any particular place, especially as it affects people or the environment: The physical or sensory quality of the air in a specific location. 3. A pervasive mood, tone, or quality of a place, situation, or creative work: The dominant feeling or emotional impression created by the surroundings, people, or context. 4. A unit of pressure (abbr. atm): A standard unit of pressure defined as 101,325 pascals, approximately equal to the average atmospheric pressure at sea level on Earth.

Usage Examples

• Sense 1 (Gases surrounding a planet):
  • The space probe burned up as it entered the planet's dense atmosphere.
  • Scientists study the composition of Jupiter's atmosphere.
• Sense 2 (Air in a place):
  • The atmosphere in the room became stuffy and hot.
  • The mountain resort is famous for its clean, fresh atmosphere.
• Sense 3 (Mood or feeling):
  • The restaurant has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
  • There was an atmosphere of tension during the negotiations.
  • The novel creates a haunting atmosphere of suspense.

Advanced Usage

• "The atmosphere was electric/palpable": Used to describe a mood that is very intense and can be strongly felt by everyone present.
  • The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as the final goal was scored.
• "To clear the atmosphere": To dispel tension or a bad mood, often by discussing a problem openly.
  • After their argument, a sincere apology helped to clear the atmosphere.

Variants and Related Words

• Atmospheric (adjective): Relating to the atmosphere.
  • Atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude.
  • The film had great atmospheric music.
• Atmospherics (noun, plural): 1. Electrical disturbances in the atmosphere, especially as they affect communications. 2. Features that contribute to a particular mood or atmosphere.
• Stratosphere, Troposphere, Mesosphere (nouns): Specific layers of Earth's atmosphere.

Synonyms

• For gases/air: Air, skies, aerosphere.
• For mood/feeling: Ambiance, aura, mood, vibe (informal), feeling, tone, environment.

Related Phrases

• "Thick with something": Describes an atmosphere heavily filled with a particular feeling or substance.
  • The room's atmosphere was thick with suspicion.
  • The atmosphere was thick with smoke.

Noun

1. a distinctive but intangible quality surrounding a person or thing
   • an air of mystery
   • the house had a neglected air
   • an atmosphere of defeat pervaded the candidate's headquarters
   • the place had an aura of romance
2. the envelope of gases surrounding any celestial body
3. the weather or climate at some place
   • the atmosphere was thick with fog
4. the mass of air surrounding the Earth
   • there was great heat as the comet entered the atmosphere
   • it was exposed to the air
5. a unit of pressure: the pressure that will support a column of mercury 760 mm high at sea level and 0 degrees centigrade
6. a particular environment or surrounding influence
   • there was an atmosphere of excitement