noun
ionosphere
eye-ON-uh-sfeer
Ionosphere (noun) means the upper layer of the atmosphere, starting some 50 km above the ground, where the air is ionised. Example: “Radio waves can bounce off the ionosphere.”
noun
1
The upper layer of the atmosphere, starting some 50 km above the ground, where the air is ionised.
"Radio waves can bounce off the ionosphere."
"The ionosphere lies high above the clouds."
"Scientists study the ionosphere to understand the upper atmosphere."
2
A similar region in the atmosphere of another planet.
"Mars has a thin ionosphere."
"Probes have measured the ionosphere of other planets."
How to use ionosphere
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA high layer of the atmosphere far above the weather.
When to use it
It is a scientific term, but is widely understood.
Common pairings
upper ionosphere
the Earth's ionosphere
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Radio waves can bounce off the _____.
Etymology
The word was formed in English from the combining form iono- and the suffix -sphere.
Rhymes for ionosphere
See all rhymes for ionosphere →Frequently asked questions
What is the ionosphere?
It is a high, electrically charged layer of the upper atmosphere, starting roughly 50 km above the ground.
How high is the ionosphere?
Roughly from 50 km up to 500 km or beyond, so it spans a very deep band.
Do other planets have an ionosphere?
Yes, planets such as Mars have one too, and the word is used for those as well.
What is the meaning of ionosphere?
"ionosphere" (noun) means the upper layer of the atmosphere, starting some 50 km above the ground, where the air is ionised.
