English

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Etymology

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atmosphere +‎ -ics

Noun

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atmospherics pl (plural only)

  1. radio interference caused by pulses of electromagnetic radiation in the atmosphere as the result of lightning and other events (both natural and man-made)
    • 1964, United States. National Bureau of Standards, Technical News Bulletin, volumes 48-49, page 131:
      Other projects in progress at CRPL involve the study of audiofrequency tellurics (current induced in the earth) and earth conductivity measurements using atmospherics.
  2. elements of the overall background atmosphere or ambiance of a physical location (e.g., retail shop) or a sensory performance (e.g., music)

See also

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