Mesosphere: meaning, definitions and examples

🌌
Add to dictionary

mesosphere

 

[ ˈmɛzoʊˌsfɪr ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

atmospheric layer

The mesosphere is the third layer of Earth's atmosphere, located above the stratosphere and below the thermosphere. It extends from about 50 to 85 kilometers above Earth's surface. In this layer, temperatures decrease with altitude, which can lead to a variety of atmospheric phenomena, such as the burning up of meteors.

Examples of usage

  • Meteors burn up in the mesosphere.
  • The temperature in the mesosphere can reach as low as -90 degrees Celsius.
  • The study of the mesosphere helps scientists understand weather patterns.
  • Rocket launches often pass through the mesosphere.

Translations

Translations of the word "mesosphere" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mesosfera

🇮🇳 मेसोफीयर

🇩🇪 Mesosphäre

🇮🇩 mesosfer

🇺🇦 мезосфера

🇵🇱 mezosfera

🇯🇵 中層圏

🇫🇷 mésosphère

🇪🇸 mesosfera

🇹🇷 mezosfer

🇰🇷 중간권

🇸🇦 الميسوسفير

🇨🇿 mezosféra

🇸🇰 mezosféra

🇨🇳 中层大气

🇸🇮 mezosfera

🇮🇸 mezosfæra

🇰🇿 мезосфера

🇬🇪 მეზოსფერო

🇦🇿 mezosfer

🇲🇽 mesosfera

Etymology

The term 'mesosphere' originates from the Greek prefix 'meso-' meaning 'middle' and the suffix '-sphere' referring to a layer or region. The word was first coined in the early 20th century as meteorologists began to categorize different layers of the atmosphere based on temperature gradients and other characteristics. The mesosphere, being situated between the stratosphere and thermosphere, was identified as a distinct atmospheric layer during early atmospheric studies. As knowledge of the atmosphere progressed, the mesosphere became recognized for its unique properties, including its cooler temperatures and its role in the disintegration of meteors. It plays a crucial role in atmospheric science and aeronomy, influencing both weather patterns and the behavior of objects entering Earth’s atmosphere.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,822 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.