Definition

1. Noun:
   • A substance that exhibits diamagnetism: A "diamagnet" is a material that, when placed in an external magnetic field, develops a weak, induced magnetic field in the opposite direction. This causes it to be repelled by magnetic fields. Most common materials, like water, wood, and many plastics, are diamagnetic.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Bismuth is a classic example of a diamagnet.
  • When placed near a strong magnet, the diamagnet was gently pushed away.
  • The researcher needed a pure diamagnet for the experiment.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific Context: In physics and materials science, "diamagnet" specifically refers to a material whose atoms have no permanent magnetic dipole moment. Their weak magnetic response is a fundamental property of all matter but is often overshadowed in materials that are paramagnetic or ferromagnetic.
  • Superconductors are perfect diamagnets, exhibiting the Meissner effect by expelling all magnetic fields from their interior.

Variants and Related Words

• Diamagnetic (adj): Having the properties of a diamagnet; repelled by a magnetic field.
  • The diamagnetic properties of the sample were measured.
• Diamagnetism (n): The phenomenon or property of being repelled by a magnetic field, exhibited by diamagnets.
  • The experiment demonstrated the principle of diamagnetism.

Synonyms

• Diamagnetic material: A more descriptive synonym.
• Diamagnetic substance: Another term with the same meaning.

Antonyms

• Ferromagnet: A substance, like iron, that is strongly attracted to magnetic fields and can retain magnetization.
• Paramagnet: A substance that is weakly attracted to magnetic fields.

Noun

1. a substance that exhibits diamagnetism