atmospherics

[at-muhs-fer-iks, -feer-]

noun

1. (used with a plural verb),  noise in a radio receiver or randomly distributed white spots or bands on the screen of a television receiver, caused by interference from natural electromagnetic disturbances in the atmosphere.

2. (used with a singular verb),  the study of such phenomena; sferics.

3. (used with a plural verb),  mood or atmosphere; ambience.

   The atmospherics of the conference were cordial.

atmospherics

/ ˌætməsˈfɛrɪks /

plural noun

1. electrical disturbances produced in the atmosphere by natural causes such as lightning

2. radio interference, heard as crackling or hissing in receivers, caused by electrical disturbance

atmospherics

1. Electromagnetic radiation that is in the same range as radio frequencies and is produced by natural phenomena (such as lightning) and interferes with radio communications.

2. The radio interference produced by this electromagnetic radiation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of atmospherics¹

First recorded in 1900–05; atmospheric, -ics

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