The word "atmosphere" is spelled with the letter "s" instead of the more intuitive "r" because it comes from the Greek word "atmos," which means "vapor" or "steam." In Greek, the "s" sound was used instead of "r" in the middle of words. The IPA phonetic transcription for "atmosphere" is /ˈæt.mə.sfɪr/, with the emphasis on the second syllable. The word refers to the layer of gases surrounding the Earth, which is essential for sustaining life on our planet.
Atmosphere is a noun that refers to the enveloping air surrounding the Earth or any other celestial body. It is composed of a mixture of gases, primarily nitrogen (around 78%), oxygen (approximately 21%), and traces of other elements and compounds, such as carbon dioxide, water vapor, and various pollutants. The atmosphere is essential for life on Earth as it provides the necessary oxygen for respiration and protects the planet from harmful solar radiation.
In a broader sense, atmosphere can also describe the general ambiance or mood of a place or environment. In this context, it refers to the predominant emotional or psychological quality that characterizes a situation, event, or setting. For instance, one might describe a party as having a lively and festive atmosphere, or a tense and uneasy atmosphere in a conflict zone.
Furthermore, atmosphere can also indicate the prevailing tone or feeling in a creative work, such as literature, music, or art. For example, a novel may have a dark and eerie atmosphere, while a piece of music can evoke a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
Overall, whether discussing the Earth's atmospheric layer vital for life, the collective mood of a particular place, or the emotional tone in a creative work, the term "atmosphere" denotes the surrounding air, environment, or prevailing mood that greatly influences our experiences and perceptions.
1. The air. 2. Any gas surrounding a given body; a gaseous medium.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The whole mass of air, clouds, and vapour surrounding the earth.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "atmosphere" has its roots in Ancient Greek. It can be broken down into two parts: "atmo-" and "-sphere".
The prefix "atmo-" is derived from the Greek word "atmos", meaning "vapor" or "steam". The word "atmos" is related to the Greek verb "atminein", which means "to thicken" or "to crowd together".
The suffix "-sphere" comes from the Greek word "sphaira", meaning "ball" or "globe". The word "sphaira" also refers to a celestial globe or sphere.
Therefore, when combined, "atmos-" and "-sphere" form the word "atmosphere", which originally referred to the gaseous envelope that surrounds the Earth.