Definition

1. Noun:
   • A point on a magnet: One of the two specific locations on a magnet where its external magnetic field is strongest and appears to be concentrated.
   • A terrestrial point: Either of the two points on the surface of the Earth where the planet's magnetic field lines are directed vertically (straight up or down).

Usage Examples

• Noun (Magnet):

  • The iron filings clustered densely around the magnetic pole of the bar magnet.
  • To determine the north-seeking pole, suspend the magnet freely; one magnetic pole will point toward geographic north.

• Noun (Earth):

  • The compass needle points toward the Earth's magnetic north pole, not the true geographic North Pole.
  • Explorers must account for the difference between the magnetic pole and the true pole when navigating.

Advanced Usage

• "Pole strength": A quantitative measure of the force exerted by a magnetic pole.
  • The magnet's effectiveness is related to its pole strength.

Variants and Related Words

• Geomagnetic Pole: A more precise, calculated point representing the axis of the Earth's theoretical magnetic dipole.

  • The geomagnetic poles are used in scientific models of the Earth's field.

• Magnetic Dip Pole: The actual point on the Earth's surface where the magnetic field is vertical.

  • The magnetic dip pole is the location where a compass needle would try to point straight down.

Synonyms

• Pole (in context)
• Magnetic dip pole (for the terrestrial meaning)

Related Phrases

• Magnetic polarity: The property of having two opposite magnetic poles, designated north and south.
  • All magnets exhibit magnetic polarity.

Noun

1. one of the two ends of a magnet where the magnetism seems to be concentrated
2. either of two points where the lines of force of the Earth's magnetic field are vertical