Air

/ˈɛə̯/ · noun

Meaning

(uncountable) The substance constituting Earth's atmosphere: a gaseous mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, and various trace gases..

Definitions by Sense

1. (uncountable) The substance constituting Earth's atmosphere: a gaseous mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, and various trace gases.
2. (uncountable, loosely) The substance of the atmosphere on a planet other than Earth.
3. (uncountable, usually with the) The apparently open space above the ground which this substance fills, (historical) formerly thought to be limited by the firmament but (meteorology) now considered to be surrounded by the near-vacuum of outer space.
4. A breeze; a gentle wind.
5. A feeling or sense.
6. (music) A melody or song, especially a solo; an aria.
7. (informal) Nothing; absence of anything.
8. (countable, uncountable) An air conditioning system.

Example Sentences

This drill runs on compressed air.

As you ascend, the air gets thinner.

The air on Mars is very thin and consists mostly of carbon dioxide.

The flock of birds took to the air.

to give it an air of artistry and sophistication

November 2 2014, Daniel Taylor, "Sergio Agüero strike wins derby for Manchester City against 10-man United," guardian.co.uk Smalling’s quick one-two of yellow cards towards the end of the first half had left an air of inevitability about what would follow and, if anything, it was probably a surprise that City restricted themselves to Sergio Agüero’s goal bearing in mind another of United’s defenders, Marcos Rojo, was taken off on a stretcher early in the second half with a dislocated shoulder.

The girl stooped to pluck a rose, and as she bent over it, her profile was clearly outlined. She held the flower to her face with a long-drawn inhalation, then went up the steps, crossed the piazza, opened the door without knocking, and entered the house with the air of one thoroughly at home.

Even at the busiest periods, an air of quiet orderliness pervades the hall, and the first impression gained by the traveller is one of efficiency, neatness and cleanliness.

Synonyms for air

Antonyms for air

Related Words

Word Forms

• airs
• aire
• ayre
• eyr
• ayr
• airing
• aired

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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