aero-, aer-, aeri-

(Greek: air, mist, wind)

aeronautical (adjective), more aeronautical, most aeronautical
1. Pertaining to the scientific study of flight in the air: Harold was studying aeronautical engineering at the university.
2. The science of designing, building, and operating various forms of aircraft: Katherine was working for aeronautical manufacturers that design and build the latest aircraft.
3. A reference to the study or practice of all aspects of flight through the air: As an ornithologist, Harry was familiar with the aeronautical features of birds in flight.
Pertaining to navigating in the air.
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aeronautically (adverb) (not comparable)
Referring to how something reflects aviation: The little town had a small airport, but it didn't have any paved runways, so it could be described as being aeronautically unsatisfactory, or in need of a lot of money to improve the town's airport!
aeronautics (s) (noun) (no pl)
The science or art of flight through the atmosphere: Aeronautics deals with the design, operation, and construction of aircraft.

In addition, it concerns the theory and practice of aircraft navigation.

aeronautism (s) (noun), aeronautisms (pl)
The technique of rising and floating in the sky: In order to be successful in operating a balloon, it is necessary to learn all the facts and information regarding aeronautism!
aeronomer, aeronomist (s) (noun); aeronomers; aeronomists (pl)
A person who is a specialist in the science dealing with the physics and chemistry of the upper atmosphere, especially in the area of ionized gas: Mr. Jenkins, who is an aeronomer, does research on the very high spheres of air enveloping the Earth, including its temperature, motions, density, composition and chemical processes.
aeronomic, aeronomical (adjective) (not comparable)
Regarding the branch of science that pertains to the upper levels of the atmosphere of the Earth and the other planets: Mrs. Jackson does agronomic research which involves the Earth's and other various planets' chemical compositions, physical properties, and the responses to radiation from space.
aeronomy (s) (noun) (no pl)
The science is about the physics and chemistry of the upper atmosphere; especially in regions of ionized gas: Aeronomy is the scientific study of the very high atmospheric regions of the Earth and other planets where the ionization of gas takes place.

Aeronomy is also concerned with the atmospheres around comets and satellites, or any other atmosphere where ionization, particularly of oxygen, takes place.

aero-odontodynia (s) (noun) (no pl)
Dental pain associated with the reduction in atmospheric pressure in high-altitude flying: Aero-odontodynia results from the difference in pressure that exacerbates existing pulpitis, particularly in connection with caries and restorations.

aeroparotitis (s) (noun) (no pl)
Swelling of one or both parotid glands due to the introduction of of air into the glands: Aeroparotitis may occur in those who play wind instruments, however it also occurs in excessive nose blowing.

aeropathy (s) (noun), aeropathies (pl)
Any morbid state induced by a pronounced change in atmospheric pressure: Altitude sickness, mountain sickness, or decompression sickness are examples of aeropathy.
aeropause (s) (noun), aeropauses (pl)
The upper region of the atmosphere, between the stratosphere and outer space: In the aeropause gas particles are so sparse as to provide almost no support for man's physiologic requirements, or for vehicles that require air for burning fuel, or where air is so thin that aircraft can not operate properly.

It is not possible for aircraft to fly in the aeropause.

The aeropause is a region at the upper level of the Earth's atmosphere regarded as the boundary between the atmosphere and outer space.

aeroperitonia, aeroperitoneum (s) (noun) (no pl)
Distention of the peritoneal cavity caused by gas: Since Jane felt pain in the area of her stomach and intestines, she went to see her doctor who diagnosed her as having a case of aeroperitonia, which affects the peritoneum or, in other words, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity.
aerophagia, aerophagy (s) (noun) (no pl)
Excessive swallowing of air: Aerophagia is usually an unconscious process associated with anxiety, resulting in abdominal distention or belching, often interpreted by the patient as signs of a physical disorder.

Aerophagia can be an abnormal spasmodic swallowing of air, especially as a symptom of hysteria, and is a common cause of flatulence and belching.

Aerophagy can result in the distention of the stomach.

aerophagic (adjective) (not comparable)
Characterized by swallowing air: Little Tommy thought he could get lots of attention by his aerophagic behavior and loud belching, but his parents thought it was awful!
aerophilately (s) (noun), aerophilatelies (pl)
The collecting of airmail stamps: Jack had a new hobby of aerophilately, and not only did he start accumulating stamps from all over the world, but he also studied the cancellations on the stamps and envelopes which he also saved.

Quiz If you would like to take self-scoring quizzes over the words in this thematic unit, then click Aero-Quizzes, so you can evaluate your knowledge about some of these "aero-" words.

Cross references of word groups that are related, directly or indirectly, to: "air, wind": aello-; aeolo-; anemo-; atmo-; austro-; flat-, flatu-; phys-; pneo-, -pnea; pneumato-; turb-; vent-; zephyro-.