I. ˈatməˌsfi(ə)r, -iə noun
( -s )
Etymology: New Latin atmosphaera, from Greek atm- + Latin sphaera sphere — more at sphere
1.
a. : a gaseous mass enveloping a heavenly body (as a planet or satellite)
the atmosphere of Mars
b. : the whole mass of air surrounding the earth
c. : a gaseous envelope or medium
an inert atmosphere
2. : a supposed medium around various bodies : any surrounding envelope
the atmosphere of electrons
3. : the air of a given place or locality especially as affected by a particular characteristic (as heat, moisture, wholesomeness, or unwholesomeness)
the close atmosphere of the schoolroom
the fetid swamp atmosphere
a refreshing mountain atmosphere
4.
a. : a conditioning surrounding influence : mental or moral environment : physical milieu viewed as having a mental or moral influence
an atmosphere of war, of blood, of excitement — Stuart Cloete
the Sunday-school atmosphere of conventional religiosity — Havelock Ellis
b. : the typical environment of a given locality or period, class of people, or way of life : characteristic background or setting
the atmosphere of a New England college town — C.G.Poore
5. : a unit of pressure equal to 101,325 newtons per square meter and very nearly equal to the pressure exerted by a vertical column of mercury 760 millimeters high at a temperature of 0° C under standard gravity
6.
a. : the pervasive strongly dominant mood of a creative work (as a painting, symphony, or poem) evoked by and dependent on the successful suggestion, delineation, and heightening of elements vital to the desired effect
the brooding atmosphere of Macbeth
b. : overall aesthetic effect of a creative work (as of art) that succeeds in producing a sense of intimate contact with and sharing in its physical or psychic environment
a novel rich in atmosphere
c. : color, interest, and appeal : fascination : individual or exotic tone or effect
a tiny inn that was full of atmosphere
d. : intriguing effect especially when arising from exotic, bizarre, or other beguilingly unusual qualities
the languorous, bewitching atmosphere of a pagan island
7. : a brownish pink that is slightly redder and duller than nude — called also mauve blush
8. : an effect of slight haziness or mistiness (as that caused by particles of dust or moisture suspended in the air and leading to the diffusion of light rays) ; specifically : such an effect in a painting
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
transitive verb
: to provide with atmosphere or an atmosphere
the play needs to be atmosphered
intransitive verb
: to be accessible to the atmosphere : vent
a water tank with a single pipe for atmosphering