from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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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