atmospherics

[ 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.

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

/ ăt′mə-sfîr′ĭks /

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

Example Sentences

The visuals are stripped-down and the staging unconventional; instead of indulging the giddy melodrama of young love, the emphasis is on brooding atmospherics.

From New York Times

A large cross was erected in the port’s entrance with wire and adorned with lanterns, adding to the atmospherics of the event.

From Seattle Times

“The fact that she’s hung around a lot of record stores and is very into the texture and atmospherics of older music means that her stuff appears somewhat anachronistic,” McDermott added, amused.

From New York Times

The atmospherics of his visit matched the mood in Washington, where additional funding for Ukraine is tied up in a domestic fight over US immigration policy.

From BBC

That means the vault tracks are all bathed in the dreamy, soft-focus atmospherics of Out Of The Woods, rather than the upfront pop of Shake It Off.

From BBC

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