01 n. The fluid which we breathe, and which surrounds the earth; the atmosphere. It is invisible, inodorous, insipid, transparent, compressible, …
-
1.
The fluid which we breathe, and which surrounds the earth; the atmosphere. It is invisible, inodorous, insipid, transparent, compressible, elastic, and ponderable.
-
2.
Symbolically: Something unsubstantial, light, or volatile.“He was still all air and fire.” — Macaulay.
-
3.
A particular state of the atmosphere, as respects heat, cold, moisture, etc., or as affecting the sensations; as, a smoky air, a damp air, the morning air, etc.
-
4.
Any aëriform body; a gas; as, oxygen was formerly called vital air.[Obs.]
-
5.
Air in motion; a light breeze; a gentle wind.“Let vernal airs through trembling osiers play.” — Pope.
-
6.
Odoriferous or contaminated air.
-
7.
That which surrounds and influences.“The keen, the wholesome air of poverty.” — Wordsworth.
-
8.
Utterance abroad; publicity; vent.“You gave it air before me.” — Dryden.
-
9.
Intelligence; information.[Obs.]
-
10.
A musical idea, or motive, rhythmically developed in consecutive single tones, so as to form a symmetrical and balanced whole, which may be sung by a single voice to the stanzas of a hymn or song, or even to plain prose, or played upon an instrument; a melody; a tune; an aria.(Mus.)
-
11.
The peculiar look, appearance, and bearing of a person; mien; demeanor; as, the air of a youth; a heavy air; a lofty air.
-
12.
Peculiar appearance; apparent character; semblance; manner; style.“It was communicated with the air of a secret.” — Pope.
-
13.
An artificial or affected manner; show of pride or vanity; haughtiness; as, it is said of a person, he puts on airs.
-
14.
The representation or reproduction of the effect of the atmospheric medium through which every object in nature is viewed.(Paint.)
-
15.
The artificial motion or carriage of a horse.(Man.)
Phrases & compounds
Air balloon —
See Balloon.
Air bath —
An apparatus for the application of air to the body.
Air compressor —
a machine for compressing air to be used as a motive power.
Air crossing —
a passage for air in a mine.
Air cushion —
an air-tight cushion which can be inflated; also, a device for arresting motion without shock by confined air.
Air fountain —
a contrivance for producing a jet of water by the force of compressed air.
Air furnace —
a furnace which depends on a natural draft and not on blast.
Air line —
a straight line; a bee line.
Air-line —
as, air-line road.
Air lock —
an intermediate chamber between the outer air and the compressed-air chamber of a pneumatic caisson.
Air port —
a scuttle or porthole in a ship to admit air.
Air spring —
a spring in which the elasticity of air is utilized.
Air thermometer —
a form of thermometer in which the contraction and expansion of air is made to measure changes of temperature.
Air threads —
gossamer.
Air trap —
a contrivance for shutting off foul air or gas from drains, sewers, etc.; a stench trap.
Air trunk —
a pipe or shaft for conducting foul or heated air from a room.
Air valve —
a valve to regulate the admission or egress of air; esp. a valve which opens inwardly in a steam boiler and allows air to enter.
Air way —
a passage for a current of air; as the air way of an air pump; an air way in a mine.
In the air —
Prevalent without traceable origin or authority, as rumors.
on the air —
currently transmitting; live; -- used of radio and television broadcasts, to indicate that the images and sounds being picked up by cameras and microphones are being broadcast at the present moment.
To take air —
to be divulged; to be made public.
To take the air —
to go abroad; to walk or ride out.