It's Greek To Me!

Greek and Latin Prefixes, Roots and Suffixes used in English
This page © 1999 by Nicholas E. Miller


Basic term

Meaning

Greek
Latin
Prefix
Suffix

atmo(s)

vapor

Yes
.
Yes
.

Examples

Definition

Back to index

atmometer (5)

(noun) - vapor + measure = a device for measuring the drying capability of the air.

atmosphere (2)

(noun) - vapor + (Latin) sphere = the gasses which surround a planet, such as the earth. Also a feeling based on the surroundings, or a tone or attitude.

atmospheric (3)

(adj.) - vapor + (Latin) sphere = of, relating to, occurring in or resembling the atmosphere in either the gaseous sense or the feeling sense. Atmospherically is the adverb form.

atmospherics (4)

(noun) - vapor + (Latin) sphere = radio interference caused by naturally occurring radiation.

clear the atmosphere (4)

- an idiomatic expression sometimes used in place of the more common clear the air, and means to remove elements of hostility, tension, confusion, or uncertainty.