Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or exhibiting diamagnetism: Describes a material or substance that is repelled by a magnetic field. This property is a weak form of magnetism.
   • Slightly repelled by a magnet: Specifically characterizes the behavior of a substance when placed in a magnetic field; it creates an induced magnetic field in opposition to the applied field, causing a repulsive force.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Bismuth is a strongly diamagnetic element. (Bismuth is an element that exhibits strong diamagnetic properties.)
  • Water is diamagnetic, which is why small objects can be levitated above powerful magnets. (Water has the property of being repelled by magnets.)
  • The diamagnetic response of the material was measured in the laboratory. (The material's characteristic of being repelled by a magnetic field was quantified.)

Advanced Usage

• Scientific Context: In physics and materials science, "diamagnetic" is a fundamental classification of magnetic behavior, alongside "paramagnetic" and "ferromagnetic."
  • All materials have a diamagnetic component, but it is often overshadowed by stronger paramagnetic or ferromagnetic effects.
• Comparative Use: Used to describe the relative strength of this property.
  • Pyrolytic carbon is more diamagnetic than bismuth. (Pyrolytic carbon exhibits a stronger diamagnetic effect than bismuth.)

Variants and Related Words

• Diamagnetism (noun): The phenomenon or property of being diamagnetic.
  • The diamagnetism of the sample was evident from the repulsive force.
• Diamagnet (noun): A substance that exhibits diamagnetism.
  • Graphite is a well-known diamagnet.

Synonyms

• Non-magnetic (in a general sense, though not technically precise as all materials have some magnetic response).
• Repelled by a magnet (descriptive phrase).

Antonyms

• Paramagnetic: (adj.) Slightly attracted by a magnetic field.
• Ferromagnetic: (adj.) Strongly attracted by a magnetic field; can become permanently magnetized.

Adjective

1. relating to or exhibiting diamagnetism; slightly repelled by a magnet