What does stratosphere mean?
The stratosphere is a major layer of Earth’s atmosphere, situated above the troposphere and extending approximately 10–50 kilometres above the surface. It contains most of the atmosphere’s ozone, which absorbs ultraviolet radiation and helps protect life on Earth. The word also has a figurative meaning: to reach, enter, or operate in the stratosphere means to attain a very high social, professional, political, or commercial level. This metaphorical use is especially common in journalism and business writing. Although the literal layer is a physical feature, the figurative expression often suggests exclusivity, exceptional status, or influence at the top of a field. The word is related to “stratum,” meaning layer, and to related terms such as “stratify” and “stratigraphy.”
nounThe layer of Earth’s atmosphere above the troposphere, extending from roughly 10 to 50 kilometres above the surface and containing the ozone layer. In figurative use, the stratosphere refers to the highest or most exclusive social, professional, or economic level.
- The layer of Earth’s atmosphere above the troposphere, containing the ozone layer.
- The highest or most exclusive level of society, politics, business, or culture.
"The ozone layer in the stratosphere helps absorb much of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation."
"High-altitude balloons drift through the lower stratosphere while collecting atmospheric data."
"After years of climbing the corporate ladder, she finally reached the stratosphere of television journalism."
Plural is uncommon in ordinary geographic usage, but may be used when referring to the atmospheres of multiple planets or hypothetical worlds, or metaphorically to different elite levels.
"The model compares the stratospheres of Earth and Venus."
The stratosphere is the atmospheric layer where ozone acts as nature’s protective sunscreen.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stratosphere come from?
The word comes from Greek stratos, meaning “spread out” or “layered,” combined with the English form “sphere.” It was coined in the early twentieth century for the atmospheric layer above the troposphere, whose layered temperature structure was then being recognized. Its connection with the Latin-derived family of “stratum,” “stratify,” and “stratigraphy” reflects the shared idea of layers or levels.
Related word forms
How stratosphere is actually used
The literal sense is standard in geography and atmospheric science. The figurative sense is usually informal or journalistic and refers to an elite or exceptionally elevated level.
Easily confused with stratosphere
The stratosphere is the layer above the troposphere, whereas the troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth’s atmosphere, where most weather occurs.