eyr

Noun

air (countable and uncountable, plural airs)

1. (uncountable) The substance constituting Earth's atmosphere: a gaseous mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, and various trace gases.
   • This drill runs on compressed air.
   1. The substance of the atmosphere seen as an agency of freshness.
      • I'm going outside to get some air.
   2. (historical) One of the four elements of the ancient Greeks and Romans.
   3. (figuratively) The surrounding ambience or mood; see also in the air.
      • The air was tense as the judge rose to deliver his verdict.
   4. (historical) A local environment or atmosphere, in the context of its effects on behavior, health, weather, etc.
      • Jeeves: Foreign travel often liberates emotions best kept in check, sir. The air of North America is notoriously stimulating in this regard, as witness the regrettable behavior of its inhabitants in 1776.
        B. Wooster: Hm? What happened in 1776, Jeeves?
        Jeeves: I prefer not to dwell on it, if it's...1991 May 12, “Kidnapped!”, in Jeeves and Wooster, Series 2, Episode 5
2. (uncountable, usually) 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.
   • The flock of birds took to the air.

See all 25 meanings of air