ἀήρ
Etym. ἄημι
1. "the lower air, the air" that surrounds the earth, opp. to αἰθήρ "the upper air" (v. Il. 14. 288, where a tall pine μακροτάτη πεφυυῖα δι᾽ ἠέρος αἰθέρ᾽ ἵκανεν); hence "mist, gloom", περὶ δ᾽ ἠέρα πουλὺν ἔχευεν Il.; ἠέρα μὲν σκέδασε id=Il.; cf. ἠέριος, ἠεροειδής.
2. generally, "air", Soph., etc.; ἀέρα δέρειν (cf. Virg. "verberat auras)", NTest.