air

noun

• 1the invisible gaseous substance surrounding the earth, a mixture mainly of oxygen and nitrogen.
• air regarded as necessary for breathing:the air was stale the doctor told me to get some fresh air
• the free or unconfined space above the surface of the earth:he celebrated by tossing his hat high in the air
• [as modifier] used to indicate that something involves the use of aircraft:air travel
• the earth’s atmosphere as a medium for transmitting radio waves:radio stations have successfully sold products over the air
• air considered as one of the four elements in ancient philosophy and in astrology (associated with the signs of Gemini, Aquarius, and Libra).
• a breeze or light wind. See also light air.
• air conditioning.
• a jump off the ground on a snowboard.

  [ Middle English: from Old French air, from Latin aer, from Greek aēr, denoting the gas]

• 2an impression of a quality or manner given by someone or something:she answered with a faint air of boredom he leaned over with a confidential air
• (airs) an annoyingly affected and condescending manner:he began to put on airs and think he could boss us around

  [ late 16th century: from French air, probably from Old French aire 'site, disposition', from Latin ager, agr- 'field' (influenced by sense 1)]

• 3 Music a tune or short melodious composition, typically a song.

  [ late 16th century: from Italian aria (see aria)]

verb

• 1 [with object] express (an opinion or grievance) publicly:a meeting in which long-standing grievances were aired
• broadcast (a program) on radio or television:the programs were aired on India’s state TV network
• archaic parade or show (something) ostentatiously:airing a snowy hand and signet ring

• 2 [with object] expose (a room) to the open air in order to ventilate it:the window sashes were lifted regularly to air the room
• (air oneself) archaic go out in the fresh air.