01 a. Of or pertaining to the atmosphere; of the nature of, or resembling, the atmosphere; as, atmospheric air; the atmospheric envelope of the earth.
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1.
Of or pertaining to the atmosphere; of the nature of, or resembling, the atmosphere; as, atmospheric air; the atmospheric envelope of the earth.
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2.
Existing or occurring in the atmosphere.“The lower atmospheric current.” — Darwin.
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3.
Caused, or operated on, by the atmosphere; as, an atmospheric effect; an atmospheric engine.
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4.
Dependent on the atmosphere.[R.]“In am so atmospherical a creature.” — Pope.
Phrases & compounds
Atmospheric engine —
a steam engine whose piston descends by the pressure of the atmosphere, when the steam which raised it is condensed within the cylinder.
Atmospheric line —
the equilibrium line of an indicator card. Steam is expanded “down to the atmosphere” when its pressure is equal to that of the atmosphere. (See Indicator card.)
Atmospheric pressure —
the pressure exerted by the atmosphere, not merely downwards, but in every direction. In amounts to about 14.7 Ibs. on each square inch.
Atmospheric railway —
one in which pneumatic power, obtained from compressed air or the creation of a vacuum, is the propelling force.
Atmospheric tides —
See under Tide.