atmospheric

[ at-muhs-fer-ik, -feer- ]

adjective

1. pertaining to, existing in, or consisting of the atmosphere:

   atmospheric vapors.

2. caused by, produced by, or operated on by the atmosphere:

   atmospheric storms.

3. resembling or suggestive of the atmosphere; having muted tones and softened or indistinct outlines; hazy:

   atmospheric effects.

4. having or producing an emotional atmosphere:

   atmospheric quality; atmospheric lighting.

Other Words From

• atmos·pheri·cal·ly adverb
• nonat·mos·pheric adjective
• nonat·mos·pheri·cal adjective
• nonat·mos·pheri·cal·ly adverb
• unat·mos·pheric adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of atmospheric¹

First recorded in 1775–85; atmosphere + -ic

Example Sentences

Northern California is being hit hard by the first major atmospheric river storm of the season, with rain totals expected to exceed 12 inches in some areas, bringing a chance for flooding and mudslides.

From Los Angeles Times

The storm currently off the northwest coast of the U.S. — described by meteorologists as a “bomb cyclone” — brings with it an atmospheric river.

From Los Angeles Times

A strong atmospheric river storm is headed for Northern California this week, bringing heavy rain, mountain snow, high winds and the potential for flooding.

From Los Angeles Times

La Niña seasons typically produce large numbers of atmospheric rivers, or narrow bands of concentrated water vapor in the sky that act like rivers in the sky.

From Salon

In atmospheric science, the boundary layer of the atmosphere is the region closest to the Earth's surface.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• climatic
• meteorological