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atmospherics - 3 dictionary results

at⋅mos⋅pher⋅ics

[at-muhs-fer-iks, -feer-]
–noun
1. (used with a plural verb) Radio and Television. 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.

Origin:
1900–05; see atmospheric, -ics
at·mos·pher·ics   (āt'mə-sfěr'ĭks, -sfîr'-)   
n.  
  1. (used with a sing. verb)
    1. Electromagnetic radiation produced by natural phenomena such as lightning.
    2. Radio interference produced by electromagnetic radiation. Also called sferics.
    3. Features, events, or statements intended to create a particular mood or attitude: "[This book] is full of fiction unconcerned with spooky atmospherics or suspense; most of the collection's stories are about cruel humans and the violence they commit" (Ken Tucker).
    4. The mood or attitude so created.
  2. (used with a pl. verb)
    1. Features, events, or statements intended to create a particular mood or attitude: "[This book] is full of fiction unconcerned with spooky atmospherics or suspense; most of the collection's stories are about cruel humans and the violence they commit" (Ken Tucker).
    2. The mood or attitude so created.
atmospherics   (āt'mə-sfîr'ĭks)  Pronunciation Key 
  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.

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