noun
atmosphere
AT-muhs-feer
noun
1
The layer of gases surrounding a planet, especially Earth.
"The rocket left Earth's atmosphere within minutes."
2
The mood or feeling of a place or situation.
"The candlelit restaurant had a romantic atmosphere."
"There was a tense atmosphere in the office after the announcement."
How to Use Atmosphere
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the air around a planet, or the overall feeling or vibe of a place.
Common pairings
a tense atmosphere
a relaxed atmosphere
Earth's atmosphere
Word Forms
atmospheres plural
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The rocket left Earth's _____ within minutes.
Etymology
From French atmosphère, from New Latin atmosphaera, from Greek atmos ("vapor") + sphaira ("sphere").