n.
Pronunciation: ' at-m ə - ˌ sfir
Function: noun
Etymology: New Latin atmosphaera, from Greek atmos vapor + Latin sphaera sphere
Date: 1677
1 a : the gaseous envelope of a celestial body (as a planet) b : the whole mass of air surrounding the earth
2 : the air of a locality
3 : a surrounding influence or environment <an atmosphere of hostility>
4 : a unit of pressure equal to the pressure of the air at sea level or approximately 14.7 pounds per square inch (101,325 pascals)
5 a : the overall aesthetic effect of a work of art b : an intriguing or singular tone, effect, or appeal <an inn with atmosphere >
– at · mo · sphered \ - ˌ sfird \ adjective