etheric

[ ih-ther-ik, ih-theer- ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the chemical ether:

   Efficient and selective cleavage of etheric carbon-oxygen bonds is crucial for converting biomass into liquid transportation fuels.

2. of or relating to ether, a substance believed by the ancients to fill the upper regions of space:

   Across the top of the fresco, the artist depicts allegorical representations of the planets orbiting the heavens on a rainbow ring within the etheric clouds.

3. Physics. of or relating to ether, a hypothetical substance postulated to occupy all space:

   The etheric hypothesis was effectively disproven by Einstein’s theory of relativity.

4. of or relating to the heavens or a spiritual world or plane of existence:

   Souls exist in the vast domain diversely referred to by mystics and theologians as the etheric realm, heaven, or the afterlife.

5. of or relating to a person’s aura, a quality or atmosphere seen as emanating from someone:

   The gemstones in this pendant were chosen to enhance the body's own etheric field.

6. Rare. ethereal.

Word History and Origins

Origin of etheric¹

ether ( def ) + -ic

Example Sentences

He shares it the way an arranger shares his manner of hearing a song, as texture and sequence, an etheric demeanor made material.

From Los Angeles Times

The Love Has Won cultists are on a first-name basis with the legendary performer’s ghost, viewing him as one of "Mom’s main ambassadors" and the primary “Galactic” in her “etheric team.”

From Salon

With all the chaos in the world, maybe you need a guide on how to come so hard your brain turns into an etheric lightening rod and madhouse pleasure spikes your spine with 20,000 household volts of orgasmic delirium.

From Salon

Another option: black tourmaline, an “etheric vacuum cleaner” that helps clear negative energy and, as a stocking-stuffer bonus, happens to look not unlike a polished lump of coal.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s an etheric, atmospheric, potent charge of feeling.

From Seattle Times