From WordNet (r) 2.0 (August 2003) [wn]:
atmospheric
adj : relating to or located in the atmosphere; "atmospheric
tests" [syn: atmospherical]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Atmospheric \At`mos*pher"ic\, Atmospherical \At`mos*pher"ic*al\,
a. [Cf. F. atmosph['e]rique.]
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.
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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.]
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In am so atmospherical a creature. --Pope.
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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. --Tomlinson.
Atmospheric line (Steam Engin.), 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.
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