stratosphere

Definition

The region of the uppermost atmosphere where the temperature increases along with the altitude due to the absorption of solar ultraviolet radiation by ozone.

Etymology

From French stratosphère, a word coined by its discoverer, meteorologist Léon Teisserenc de Bort. From strato- + -sphere.

Example Sentences

• "Variation in height of the stratosphere (isothermal layer)."
• "The mesosphere may be described as the earth's intermediate or middle atmosphere, which separates the thermosphere above from the ozonosphere (or stratosphere) below, both of which are responsible for absorption of most of the ultraviolet part of the solar radiation and preventing it from reaching the earth's surface."
• "The technique would involve spraying large amounts of sulfate particles into the Earth’s lower stratosphere at altitudes as high as 12 miles. The scientists propose delivering the sulfates with specially designed high-altitude aircraft, balloons or large naval-style guns."