Definition of "air" in Anglais

noun

1. (uncountable) The substance constituting Earth's atmosphere: a gaseous mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, and various trace gases.

   • This drill runs on compressed air.
   • As you ascend, the air gets thinner.

2. (uncountable, loosely) The substance of the atmosphere on a planet other than Earth.

   • The air on Mars is very thin and consists mostly of carbon dioxide.

3. (uncountable, usually with the) The apparently open space above the ground which this substance fills, (historical) formerly thought to be limited by the firmament but (meteorology) now considered to be surrounded by the near-vacuum of outer space.

   • The flock of birds took to the air.

4. A breeze; a gentle wind.

5. A feeling or sense.

   • to give it an air of artistry and sophistication
   • November 2 2014, Daniel Taylor, "Sergio Agüero strike wins derby for Manchester City against 10-man United," guardian.co.uk Smalling’s quick one-two of yellow cards towards the end of the first half had left an air of inevitability about what would follow and, if anything, it was probably a surprise that City restricted themselves to Sergio Agüero’s goal bearing in mind another of United’s defenders, Marcos Rojo, was taken off on a stretcher early in the second half with a dislocated shoulder.

6. (music) A melody or song, especially a solo; an aria.

7. (informal) Nothing; absence of anything.

8. (countable, uncountable) An air conditioning system.

   • Could you turn on the air?
   • Hey, did you mean to leave the airs on all week while you were on vacation?

9. (obsolete: chemistry) Any specific gas.

10. (uncountable, snowboarding, skateboarding, motor sports) The state of being briefly airborne during a jump.

11. A television or radio signal; (by extension) media broadcasts in general.

12. (uncountable) Publicity.

verb

1. (transitive) To bring (something) into contact with the air, so as to freshen or dry it.

   • I'll hang these clothes on the rack to air them.

2. (transitive) To let fresh air into (a room or a building), to ventilate.

   • It's getting quite stuffy in this room: let's open the windows and air it.

3. (transitive) To make public (an opinion, concern, issue, secret, differences, etc); to present to public view (and sometimes discussion).

   • Residents used the public meeting to air their concerns about the poor state of the roads.