pneumatic
pneumatic Lexical Profile
pneumatic Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Containing or operated by air or gas under pressure.
"The construction crew used a pneumatic drill to break through the thick concrete pavement."
Having cavities filled with air, such as the hollow bones of birds.
"Birds possess lightweight pneumatic bones that reduce their body weight for efficient flight."
Relating to the spirit or soul, especially in Christian theology or Gnosticism.
"In Gnostic philosophy, the highest class of human beings was considered pneumatic rather than purely material."
• noun
A tire inflated with compressed air, especially on a bicycle or early automobile.
"Early cyclists quickly favored the smoother ride of a pneumatic over solid rubber wheels."
In Gnosticism, a spiritually enlightened person who possesses the divine spark.
"Ancient Gnostic texts drew a sharp distinction between ordinary believers and the fully awakened pneumatic."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'pneumatic' (powered by compressed air or gas) with 'hydraulic' (powered by pressurized liquid).
• Rhymes for pneumatic
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-17th century from French pneumatique or Latin pneumaticus, ultimately from Ancient Greek pneumatikos ('relating to wind, breath, or spirit'), from pneuma ('breath' or 'air').