/ ˈætməsfɪə(r); NAmE -fɪr/ noun
1.
the atmosphere [ sing. ] the mixture of gases that surrounds the earth :
the upper atmosphere
pollution of the atmosphere
2.
[ C ] a mixture of gases that surrounds another planet or a star :
Saturn's atmosphere
3.
[ C ] the air in a room or in a confined space; the air around a place :
a smoky / stuffy atmosphere
These plants love warm, humid atmospheres.
4.
[ C , U ] the feeling or mood that you have in a particular place or situation; a feeling between two people or in a group of people :
a party atmosphere
The hotel offers a friendly atmosphere and personal service.
Use music and lighting to create a romantic atmosphere.
There was an atmosphere of mutual trust between them.
The children grew up in an atmosphere of violence and insecurity.
The old house is full of atmosphere (= it's very interesting) .
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IDIOMS
see heavy adjective
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 17th cent.: from modern Latin atmosphaera , from Greek atmos vapour + sphaira ball, globe.