air

[[t]ɛər[/t]]

n.

1) phs a mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, and minute amounts of other gases that surrounds the earth and forms its atmosphere

2) a stir in the atmosphere; a light breeze

3) overhead space; sky

4) circulation; publication; publicity:

to give air to one's theories[/ex]

5) general character or appearance; aura:

an air of mystery about him[/ex]

6) airs, affected or unnatural manner; assumed haughtiness

7) mad

a) a tune; melody

b) an Elizabethan accompanied song

8) aircraft as a means of transportation:

to ship by air[/ex]

9) rtv the medium through which radio waves are transmitted

10) inf Informal. air conditioning or an air-conditioning system

11) archaic breath

12) to expose to the air; ventilate (often fol. by out)

13) to bring to public notice; display:

to air one's opinions[/ex]

14) sbz rtv to broadcast or televise

15) to be exposed to the open air (often fol. by out):

Let the room air out[/ex]

16) rtv to be broadcast or televised

17) operating by means of air pressure or by acting upon air:

an air drill; an air pump[/ex]

18) of or pertaining to aircraft or to aviation

19) taking place in the air; aerial

20) cvb imaginary; imitated; mimicked (used before the name of a musical instrument):

to play the air guitar[/ex]

•

- clear the air give someone the air in the air into thin air off the air on the air up in the air walk

Etymology: 1150–1200; ME eir < OF air < L āēr- < Gk āḗr syn: See wind1.