Definition

1. Noun:
   • The atmospheric layer between the troposphere and the mesosphere: The stratosphere is a major layer of Earth's atmosphere, located approximately 10 to 50 kilometers above the Earth's surface. It is characterized by a temperature that increases with altitude due to the presence of the ozone layer, which absorbs ultraviolet radiation.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • Commercial airplanes often fly in the lower stratosphere to avoid weather disturbances.
  • The ozone layer, which protects life from harmful UV rays, is located within the stratosphere.
  • Temperatures rise with height in the stratosphere, unlike in the troposphere below it.

Advanced Usage

• "to reach the stratosphere": Used figuratively to describe something (like prices, fame, or success) increasing to an extremely high level.
  • After her latest film, her popularity reached the stratosphere.
• "stratospheric" (adjective): Pertaining to the stratosphere; also used figuratively to mean "extremely high."
  • The rocket entered stratospheric altitudes. (Literal)
  • The company reported stratospheric profits this quarter. (Figurative)

Variants and Related Words

• Stratospheric (adj): Of or relating to the stratosphere; very high.
• Stratopause (n): The boundary between the stratosphere and the mesosphere above it.

Synonyms

• Upper atmosphere (a broader, less precise term)
• Ozone layer (refers to a specific region within the stratosphere)

Related Phrases and Idioms

• In the stratosphere: Literally, within that atmospheric layer. Figuratively, at a very high level, often detached from practical concerns.
  • With those unrealistic prices, their projections are in the stratosphere.

Noun

1. the atmospheric layer between the troposphere and the mesosphere