ÆTHEREAL, ÆTHEREUS, something that belongs to, or partakes of, the nature of ÆTHER. Thus we say, the æthereal space, æthereal regions, &c.
Some of the ancients divided the universe, with respect to the matter contained therein, into elementary and æthereal.
Under the æthereal world was included all that space above the uppermost element, viz. fire. This they supposed to be perfectly homogeneous, incorruptible, unchangeable, &c. The Chaldees placed an æthereal world between the empyreum and the region of the fixed stars. Besides which, they sometimes also speak of a second æthereal world, meaning by it the fiery orb: and a third æthereal world, by which is meant the planetary region.