Plain English Meaning
A recorded radio message at busy airports that tells pilots the latest airport conditions so controllers don't have to repeat the same information to every aircraft.
Full Definition
A continuous broadcast of recorded non-control information at busier airports, providing arriving and departing pilots with current details such as active runway, weather conditions, altimeter setting, and any relevant notices. Each broadcast is identified by a phonetic letter (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, etc.) that updates whenever the information changes.
Context Anchor
Pilots commonly use ATIS before taxi, before takeoff, and before arriving at a towered airport.
Derivation
(it plays on a without a speaking each time), (relating to the around an ), Information (the being shared), (a continuous provision). The name describes exactly what it does.