atmosphere
UK[ˈætməsfɪə]US[ˈætməsfɪr]
n
the layer of gases that surrounds a planet, especially the Earth
n
the air in a particular place, especially when it affects how you feel
n
the mood or feeling that exists in a particular place or situation
Morpheme Breakdown
atmo
sphere
atmo
vapor
sphere
ball, globe
Etymology
The word 'atmosphere' is a modern scientific compound, formed in the 17th century from two Greek elements: atmos (vapor, exhalation) and sphaira (sphere, globe). It was coined to describe the conceptual model of the Earth as being enveloped by a spherical shell of gases and vapors. The literal "sphere of vapor" perfectly captures the early scientific understanding of the air surrounding a planetary body. Over time, its meaning expanded metaphorically to describe the pervasive air or mood of any enclosed environment, retaining the core idea of an all-encompassing medium.
Analysis
Structure: atmo (vapor) + sphere (ball, globe)
atmo: From Greek atmos meaning "vapor, steam". It functions as the core semantic root indicating a gaseous substance.
sphere: From Greek sphaira meaning "ball, globe". It functions as a combining form indicating a round, encompassing shape or layer.
Examples
The space shuttle re-entered the Earth's atmosphere.
The atmosphere in the room was tense after the argument.
The restaurant has a cozy and romantic atmosphere.