First Known Use: 1909
Dictionary
stratosphere
noun strato·sphere \ˈstra-tə-ˌsfir\
Definition of STRATOSPHERE
1
: the part of the earth's atmosphere which extends from the top of the troposphere to about 30 miles (50 kilometers) above the surface and in which temperature increases gradually to about 32° F (0° C) and clouds rarely form
2
: a very high or the highest region on or as if on a graded scale <construction costs in the stratosphere> <the celebrity stratosphere>
— strato·spher·ic \ˌstra-tə-ˈsfir-ik, -ˈsfer-\ adjective
— strato·spher·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
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Origin of STRATOSPHERE
French stratosphère, from New Latin stratum + -o- + French sphère sphere, from Latin sphaera
Rhymes with STRATOSPHERE
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STRATOSPHERE Defined for Kids
stratosphere
noun strato·sphere \ˈstra-tə-ˌsfir\
Definition of STRATOSPHERE for Kids
: an upper portion of the atmosphere extending from about 6 miles (10 kilometers) to 30 miles (50 kilometers) upward where temperature changes little and clouds rarely form
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