sferics

[ sfeer-iks, sfer- ]

noun

1. (used with a singular verb) electronic equipment for determining the position of storms by locating their accompanying atmospherics.
2. (used with a plural verb) the atmospheric discharges located by this device.
3. Also (used with a singular verb) the study of atmospherics.
4. spherics ²( def 1 ).

sferics

/ ˈsfɛrɪks /

noun

1. the usual US spelling of spherics 2

sferics

/ sfîr′ĭks,sfĕr′- /

1. The study of atmospherics , especially through the use of electronic detectors.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sferics¹

First recorded in 1940–45; shortening and respelling of atmospherics

Example Sentences

Electrical currents in lightning bolts generate a broad range of radio frequencies known as atmospherics, or “sferics” for short.

From Scientific American

Such waves can be detected a long way off, and distinguished from ordinary thunderstorm sferics.

From Time Magazine Archive

As the line advances, the sferics detectors sweep from storm to storm, measuring the frequency of its radio waves.

From Time Magazine Archive