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

Minimizing flaring permits is “not a priority in any sense” for the Railroad Commission, said Gunnar Schade, an associate professor of atmospheric sciences at Texas A&M University.

From Salon

The authors include veterans in atmospheric science, physics, ecology, forecast modeling and several other fields at universities, think tanks and research institutions in the United States and abroad.

From Los Angeles Times

"We have been doing modelling with colleagues at the University of Cambridge and the Met Office which have adapted a nuclear atmospheric dispersion model to Ips," explained Dr Blake.

From BBC

Small changes in atmospheric conditions can have a large impact on whether a storm strengthens or weakens.

From BBC

The impetus for this widespread wild weather was a late-arriving monsoonal pattern, fueled by the region’s lingering heat that pulled atmospheric moisture north — and, with it, instability.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• climatic 
• meteorological