At"mos*phere (&?;), n.
[Gr. &?; vapor (akin to Skr. ātman breath,
soul, G. athem breath) + &?; sphere: cf. F. atmosphère. See Sphere.]
1. (Physics) (a) The whole mass of
aëriform fluid surrounding the earth; -- applied also to the gaseous envelope of any celestial orb, or other body; as, the
atmosphere of Mars. (b)
Any gaseous envelope or medium.
An atmosphere of cold oxygen.
Miller.
2.
A supposed medium around various bodies; as, electrical atmosphere, a medium formerly supposed to surround electrical bodies. Franklin.
3. The pressure or weight of
the air at the sea level, on a unit of surface, or about 14.7 Ibs. to the sq. inch.
Hydrogen was
liquefied under a pressure of 650
atmospheres.
Lubbock.
4. Any surrounding or pervading influence or condition.
The chillest of social atmospheres.
Hawthorne.
5. The portion of air in any locality, or affected by a special
physical or sanitary condition; as, the atmosphere of the room; a moist or noxious atmosphere.
Hear it pronounced