mesopause: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “mesopause” mean?
The boundary in the Earth's atmosphere between the mesosphere and the thermosphere, characterized by a temperature minimum.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The boundary in the Earth's atmosphere between the mesosphere and the thermosphere, characterized by a temperature minimum.
In atmospheric science, the region of minimum temperature at the top of the mesosphere, typically occurring at an altitude of about 80–90 km above Earth's surface.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between British and American English. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Purely scientific/technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general usage in both varieties, confined to specialist literature.
Grammar
How to Use “mesopause” in a Sentence
The mesopause is located at...Temperatures at the mesopause can fall to...The boundary known as the mesopause...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mesopause” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- mesopause temperatures
- mesopause data
American English
- mesopause altitude
- mesopause characteristics
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in atmospheric science, physics, and environmental science research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in meteorology and aeronomy for describing atmospheric structure.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mesopause”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mesopause”
- Mispronouncing it as 'mee-so-paws'.
- Confusing it with 'tropopause' or 'stratopause'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'The air mesopauses').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency technical term used almost exclusively in atmospheric science.
It is the point of minimum temperature in the Earth's atmospheric profile, marking the top of the mesosphere.
No, it is exclusively a noun. There is no verb form.
In British English: /ˈmɛzə(ʊ)pɔːz/ (MEZ-oh-pawz). In American English: /ˈmɛzoʊˌpɔːz/ (MEZ-oh-pawz). The stress is on the first syllable.
The boundary in the Earth's atmosphere between the mesosphere and the thermosphere, characterized by a temperature minimum.
Mesopause is usually technical/scientific in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MESO (middle) + PAUSE (a stop or boundary) = the 'middle stop' in the atmosphere's layered structure.
Conceptual Metaphor
A THERMAL FLOOR or COLD CEILING in the sky.
Practice
Quiz
In which scientific field is the term 'mesopause' primarily used?