Air

ār, n. the fluid we breathe: the atmosphere: any special condition of atmosphere, as in 'the night- air ,' 'to take the air:' a light breeze: publicity: the bearing of a person: outward appearance, manner, look: an a umed or affected manner: ( mus. ) a rhythmical melody: a song, also specially a sprightly song: the soprano part in a harmonised composition, being that which gives it its character: ( pl. ) affectation.— v.t. to expose to the air: to dry: to expose to warm air: ( obs. ) to take an airing.— ns. Air′-bath , an arrangement for drying substances in air of any desired temperature; Air′-bed , a bed for the sick, inflated with air; Air′-blad′der , in some fishes, an organ containing air, by which they maintain their equilibrium in the water; Air′-brake , a railway brake worked by compre ed air.— adj. Air′-built , built in air: having no solid foundation.— ns. Air′-cell , a cavity containing air; Air′-cush′ion , an air-tight cushion, which can be inflated; Air′-drain , an ample space at the foot of foundation walls, for the sake of dryne .— adj. Air′drawn , drawn in air: visionary: ( Shak. ) imaginary.— ns. Air′-en′gine , an engine put in motion by air expanded by heat; Air′-gas , illuminating gas made by charging atmospheric air with vapour of petroleum or other hydrocarbon; Air′-gun , a gun which discharges bullets by means of compre ed air.— adv. Air′ily , gaily.— ns. Air′ine , state of being airy; openne : liveline ; Air′ing , exposure to the air or fire: a short excursion in the open air; Air′-jack′et , a jacket with air-tight cavities, which being inflated renders a person buoyant in water.— adj. Air′le , void of air: not having free communication with the open air.— ns. Air′-lock , a small chamber for the entrance and exit of men and materials, at the top of the cai on or hollow cylinder used for founding the piers of bridges under water; Air′-pump , an instrument for pumping the air out of a ve el; Air′-sac , an air-cell or air-space, esp. in the bones of birds; Air′-shaft , a pa age for air into a mine; Air′-ship , a navigable balloon; Air′-space , the cubic content of a room, hospital-ward, or the like, with reference to the respirable air contained in it.— adj. Air′-tight , so tight as not to admit air.— n. Air′-ves′sel , a ve el or tube containing air.— adv. Air′wards , up in the air.— adj. Air′y , consisting of or relating to air: open to the air: like air: unsubstantial: light of heart: sprightly.— To take air , to get wind, to become publicly known. [Fr.—L. aër —Gr.]