Definition

Relating to the layer of the Earth's atmosphere above the troposphere, where the air is stable and the temperature increases with altitude.

Example

The stratospheric ozone layer protects us from harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Conversation

Have you seen the latest data on climate change?

Yeah, it's alarming how much the temperature is rising.

I heard some areas could see stratospheric changes in weather patterns.

That's really concerning; we need to take action soon.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Stratospheric → It is formed from "stratum" (from Latin, meaning layer) and "sphericus" (from Greek "sphairikos", meaning spherical). The word "stratospheric" refers to something related to the stratosphere, which is a layer of the atmosphere.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'stratum' meaning layer, and 'sphericus' meaning spherical, to remember that 'stratospheric' relates to the layer of the atmosphere that is spherical.

Visually Confused Words