Definition

1. Noun:
   • The direction in which a compass needle points: "Magnetic north" is the point on the Earth's surface towards which the north-seeking end of a compass needle is attracted. It is the direction indicated by a magnetic compass, which differs from true geographic north.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The hiker adjusted his map, accounting for the difference between true north and magnetic north.
  • The compass needle reliably points to magnetic north.
  • Navigators must correct for the variation between magnetic north and true north.

Advanced Usage

• "Magnetic north" vs. "True North": A critical distinction in navigation and cartography. True north is the direction along the Earth's surface towards the geographic North Pole. Magnetic north is the direction towards the magnetic pole, which shifts over time.
  • The declination on this map shows a 10-degree west difference between true north and magnetic north.

Variants and Related Words

• Magnetic declination (or variation) (n): The angle on the horizontal plane between magnetic north and true north.
  • Before setting off, we checked the magnetic declination for our region.
• North Magnetic Pole (n): The actual point on the Earth's surface where the planet's magnetic field points vertically downwards.
  • The North Magnetic Pole is located in the Canadian Arctic and is moving.

Synonyms

• Compass north: The north as indicated by a magnetic compass.

Related Phrases

• Seek magnetic north: (Of a compass needle) to point towards magnetic north.
  • A properly balanced compass needle will seek magnetic north.

Noun

1. the direction in which a compass needle points