Subscriber login


Forgot your password?

Library card login

Other

atmosphere

Pronunciation: /ˈatməsfɪə/
Translate atmosphere | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of atmosphere

noun

[usually in singular]
  • 1the envelope of gases surrounding the earth or another planet:part of the sun’s energy is absorbed by the earth’s atmosphere
  • the air in any particular place:these beetles breed best in a damp atmosphere
  • (abbreviation: atm) Physics a unit of pressure equal to mean atmospheric pressure at sea level, 101,325 pascals.
  • 2the pervading tone or mood of a place, situation, or creative work:the hotel has won commendations for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere
  • [mass noun] a pleasurable and interesting mood:a superb restaurant, full of atmosphere

Origin:

mid 17th century: from modern Latin atmosphaera, from Greek atmos 'vapour' + sphaira 'ball, globe'

atmosphere in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of atmosphere in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

  |  Cite

More words in this category

Oxford Dictionaries Pro

For Oxford's best resources for writers, plus thesaurus, audio, and 1.9m examples.

GET PRO ►

Shop for an Oxford dictionary
Find the perfect Oxford dictionary for you in our online shop.
SHOP NOW ►

Word of the day

logomachy

/ ləˈgɒməki /
noun
an argument about words …