adjective
also ethe·ri·al or aethe·re·al or aethe·ri·al ə̇ˈthirēəl, ēˈ-, eˈ-, -thēr-
Etymology: Latin aetheri us, aethere us (from Greek aitherios, from aithēr ether) + English -al
1.
a. : of or relating to the regions beyond the earth
liberty, far from being an ethereal thing, is always … related to specific and present situations — Max Ascoli
b. : celestial , heavenly
go, heavenly guest, ethereal messenger — John Milton
2.
a. : resembling or having the characteristics of the element of ether : airy , immaterial
have been obliged to work with physical rather than ethereal forms — L.A.White
b. : characterized by unusual delicacy and refinement : dainty , exquisite
this smallest, most ethereal , and daintiest of birds — William Beebe
a chocolate cake of quite ethereal lightness — New Yorker
3. : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of the medium of ether
ethereal waves
4. : relating to, containing, or resembling the liquid ether or an ether
ethereal oxygen
an ethereal solution
• ethe·re·al·ly -ēəlē, -li adverb
• ethe·re·al·ness -ēəlnə̇s noun -es