ionosphere

noun ion·o·sphere \ī-ˈä-nə-ˌsfir\

Definition of IONOSPHERE

: the part of the earth's atmosphere in which ionization of atmospheric gases affects the propagation of radio waves, which extends from about 30 miles (50 kilometers) to the exosphere, and which is contiguous with the upper portion of the mesosphere and the thermosphere; also : a comparable region of charged particles surrounding another celestial body (as Venus)

— ion·o·spher·ic \ˌī-ˌä-nə-ˈsfir-ik, -ˈsfer-\ adjective

— ion·o·spher·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See ionosphere defined for kids

First Known Use of IONOSPHERE

1926

Rhymes with IONOSPHERE

acyclovir, animalier, boulevardier, Buckinghamshire, carabineer, celestial sphere, charioteer, conventioneer, dollar-a-year, electioneer, elephant's ear, Eskisehir, free marketeer, harquebusier, heliosphere, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, orienteer

IONOSPHERE Defined for Kids

ionosphere

noun ion·o·sphere \ī-ˈä-nə-ˌsfir\

Definition of IONOSPHERE for Kids

: the part of the earth's atmosphere beginning at an altitude of about 30 miles (50 kilometers) and extending outward that contains electrically charged particles