Definition

Referring to a condition or state that has a pressure lower than that of the atmosphere.

Example

The experiment was conducted in a subatmospheric environment to study the effects of low pressure.

Conversation

Did you know that some weather balloons can reach subatmospheric levels?

Really? I had no idea they could go that high!

Yeah, it's fascinating how they can operate in such subatmospheric conditions.

For sure! It must be tough for the instruments to function properly there.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Subatmospheric → It is formed from "sub-" (meaning under or below) and "atmospheric" (from "atmosphere", which comes from Greek "atmos" meaning vapor and "sphaira" meaning sphere). The word describes conditions that exist below the normal atmospheric pressure.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'under' ('sub-') the 'sphere of air' ('atmospheric') — that's what subatmospheric means.

Visually Confused Words