sferics

[sfeer-iks, sfer-] /ˈsfɪər ɪks, ˈsfɛr-/
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, spherics. (used with a singular verb) the study of atmospherics.
4.
spherics2 (def 1).
Origin
1940-45; shortening and respelling of atmospherics
British Dictionary definitions for sferics

sferics

/ˈsfɛrɪks/
noun
1.
the usual US spelling of spherics2

spherics2

/ˈsfɛrɪks; ˈsfɪər-/
noun
1.
(functioning as sing) short for atmospherics
sferics in Science
sferics also spherics
  (sfîr'ĭks, sfěr'-)   
The study of atmospherics, especially through the use of electronic detectors.
sferic also spheric
  (sfîr'ĭk, sfěr'-)   
A radio emission from a stroke of lightning.