Troposphere: meaning, definitions and examples

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troposphere

 

[ ˈtrəʊpəˌsfɪə ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

atmospheric layer

The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, extending from the surface up to about 8 to 15 kilometers (5 to 9 miles) high. This layer contains approximately 75% of the atmosphere's mass and is where most of the weather phenomena occur, such as clouds, rain, and storms. The troposphere is characterized by a decrease in temperature with altitude.

Synonyms

lower atmosphere, weather layer.

Examples of usage

  • The troposphere is where we experience weather changes.
  • Airplanes typically fly above the troposphere.
  • The greenhouse effect occurs mainly in the troposphere.
  • Weather balloons are launched into the troposphere to gather data.

Translations

Translations of the word "troposphere" in other languages:

🇵🇹 troposfera

🇮🇳 ट्रॉपोस्फीयर

🇩🇪 Troposphäre

🇮🇩 troposfer

🇺🇦 тропосфера

🇵🇱 troposfera

🇯🇵 対流圏

🇫🇷 trophosphère

🇪🇸 troposfera

🇹🇷 troposfer

🇰🇷 대류권

🇸🇦 التروبوسفير

🇨🇿 troposféra

🇸🇰 troposféra

🇨🇳 对流层

🇸🇮 troposfera

🇮🇸 þrýstingssvæði

🇰🇿 тропосфера

🇬🇪 ტროპოსფერო

🇦🇿 troposfer

🇲🇽 troposfera

Etymology

The term 'troposphere' is derived from the Greek word 'tropos,' meaning 'turning' or 'changing,' which reflects the dynamic nature of this atmospheric layer. The suffix '-sphere' comes from the Greek word 'sphaira,' meaning 'ball' or 'globe.' The concept of the troposphere was first introduced in the early 20th century as scientists began to better understand the structure and behavior of Earth’s atmosphere. It was identified as a distinct layer where temperature decreases with altitude and where weather occurs, in contrast to the stratosphere above it. The troposphere interacts with human activities, including pollution and climate change, influencing its composition and behavior, thus playing a critical role in meteorology and environmental science.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,558, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.