What does "atmosphere" mean?

Atmosphere: A supposed medium around various bodies; as, electrical atmosphere, a medium formerly supposed to surround electrical bodies. Franklin.

Additional senses

  1. 2.The pressure or weight of the air at the sea level, on a unit of surface, or about 14.7 Ibs. to the sq. inch. Hydrogen was liquefied under a pressure of 650 atmospheres. Lubbock.
  2. 3.Any surrounding or pervading influence or condition. The chillest of social atmospheres. Hawthorne.
  3. 4.The portion of air in any locality, or affected by a special physical or sanitary condition; as, the atmosphere of the room; a moist or noxious atmosphere.

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