air
The substance constituting Earth's atmosphere: a gaseous mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, and various trace gases.
Noun 4 meanings
The substance constituting Earth's atmosphere: a gaseous mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, and various trace gases.
“This drill runs on compressed air.”
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.”
The substance of the atmosphere on a planet other than Earth.
“The air on Mars is very thin and consists mostly of carbon dioxide.”
A breeze; a gentle wind.
Verb 4 meanings
To bring (something) into contact with the air, so as to freshen or dry it.
“I'll hang these clothes on the rack to air them.”
To let fresh air into (a room or a building), to ventilate.
“It's getting quite stuffy in this room: let's open the windows and air it.”
To make public (an opinion, concern, issue, secret, differences, etc); to present to public view (and sometimes discussion).
“Residents used the public meeting to air their concerns about the poor state of the roads.”
To broadcast (a television show etc.).
“The BBC decided not to air the controversial episode.”
Etymology
From Middle English aire, from Old French air, from Latin āēr, from Ancient Greek ἀήρ (aḗr). Displaced native Old English lyft. More at lift, loft.
Similar and opposite words
AIR at a glance
AIR has 3 letters and scores 3 points in Scrabble (A 1 + I 1 + R 1) and 3 in Words With Friends, before board bonuses. It ranks #394 by how often it appears in everyday English. It is valid in ENABLE, NWL2023, Collins/SOWPODS.
Rhymes with air
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