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atmosphere

n.
US //ˈætməsˌfɪɹ// UK //ˈætməsfˌiə// at·mos·phere
  1. 1 gases around a planet (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Science

    the layer of gases that surrounds the Earth or another planet.

    the envelope of gases surrounding the Earth or another celestial body, held in place by gravity.

    Example

    The Earth's atmosphere protects us from the harmful rays of the sun.

    Example

    Scientists are studying the composition of the Martian atmosphere to determine if the planet could have ever supported microbial life.
  2. 2 mood of a place (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the feeling or mood that you get from a place or situation.

    the pervading tone or mood of a place, situation, or creative work.

    Example

    The restaurant had a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

    Example

    The director used low lighting and a haunting soundtrack to create a thick atmosphere of suspense throughout the opening scene.
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  1. 3 air in a room (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the air in a specific room or small space.

    the air in a particular confined space, often in relation to its temperature or cleanliness.

    Example

    We opened the windows to let some fresh air into the smoky atmosphere.

    Example

    The atmosphere in the crowded basement became increasingly heavy and humid as the party continued into the night.
  2. 4 unit of pressure (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    a unit used to measure how much pressure the air is putting on something.

    a unit of pressure equal to the mean atmospheric pressure at sea level, approximately 101,325 pascals.

    Example

    The pressure at the bottom of the pool is more than one atmosphere.

    Example

    Deep-sea submersibles must be engineered to withstand hundreds of atmospheres of pressure without structural failure.
  3. 5 background actors (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Theatre

    people who appear in the background of a film or TV show but do not speak.

    background actors or extras used to provide a sense of realism to a scene.

    Example

    The production hired fifty people for atmosphere in the busy street scene.

    Example

    The assistant director spent the morning positioning the atmosphere to ensure the fictional market looked sufficiently crowded for the wide shot.

    Usage

    Often used as an uncountable collective noun in production contexts.
Origin

Borrowed from French atmosphère, from New Latin atmosphaera, from Ancient Greek ἀτμός (atmós, “steam”) + σφαῖρα (sphaîra, “sphere”); corresponding to atmo- + -sphere.

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