sferics
[ sfeer-iks, sfer- ]
/ ˈsfɪər ɪks, ˈsfɛr- /
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noun
(used with a singular verb) electronic equipment for determining the position of storms by locating their accompanying atmospherics.
(used with a plural verb) the atmospheric discharges located by this device.
Also spherics. (used with a singular verb) the study of atmospherics.
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Question 1 of 7
Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT Origin of sferics
First recorded in 1940–45; shortening and respelling of atmospherics
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
British Dictionary definitions for sferics
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for sferics
sferics
The study of atmospherics, especially through the use of electronic detectors.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.