The word "stratospheric" (strætəˈsfɛrɪk) is derived from the word "stratosphere," which refers to the second layer of the earth's atmosphere. In phonetic transcription, the first syllable is pronounced as "strætə," with a short "a" sound, followed by "s" and "t" sounds. The second syllable is pronounced as "sfɛrɪk," with a long "e" sound and an "i" sound that's close to the "e" sound. The word is spelled as it's pronounced, with no tricky silent letters or unusual vowel combinations.
Stratospheric is an adjective that describes something relating to or occurring within the stratosphere, which is the second layer of Earth's atmosphere. The stratosphere extends between the troposphere (the lowest layer) and the mesosphere (the third layer) and is characterized by a higher concentration of ozone molecules.
In a literal sense, stratospheric can be used to describe phenomena or events that take place in this specific atmospheric region, such as stratospheric clouds or the stratospheric ozone layer. The term can also be employed metaphorically to portray something as being extremely high or lofty, often in reference to levels of intensity, quality, or magnitude.
For instance, in a scientific context, stratospheric concentration refers to exceptionally high levels of a certain component or substance. In economics or finance, stratospheric growth may indicate phenomenally high rates of expansion or soaring market trends. Similarly, stratospheric prices describe exorbitant or astronomically high costs of goods or services. Overall, stratospheric is a figurative adjective employed to suggest unparalleled heights, extreme measures, or extraordinary achievements, reflecting the perceived awe-inspiring qualities of the Earth's stratosphere.
The word "stratospheric" is derived from the noun "stratosphere", which refers to the second layer of Earth's atmosphere, located above the troposphere and below the mesosphere. The term "stratosphere" was coined in the early 20th century, combining the Greek word "stratos" meaning "spread out" or "layer" with the English word "sphere", denoting a spherical or circular shape. The suffix "-ic" in "stratospheric" is a common adjective-forming suffix in English.