Ăt'mos-phēre, n.

noun

n. [Fr. atmosphère, N. Lat. atmosphæra, of Gr. ἀτμός, vapor, and σφαῖρα, sphere.]

(Physics.) (a.) The whole mass of aëriform fluid surrounding the earth;—applied also to the gaseous envelope of any celestial orb; as, the atmosphere of the moon. (b.) Any gaseous medium. “An atmosphere of cold oxygen.” Miller.
(Elect.) A supposed medium around an electrical body.
The pressure or weight of the air on a unit of surface;—a term used to indicate the pressure of other aëriform bodies.