Definition

1. Noun:
   • The branch of physics: This refers to the scientific study of magnetic fields, magnetic forces, and magnetic materials.
   • A physical phenomenon: This is the property of attraction or repulsion exhibited by certain materials, most notably iron, and associated with moving electric charges and magnetic dipoles.
   • A powerful personal quality: (Figurative) A compelling charm, appeal, or attractiveness that draws people in.

Usage and Examples

• As a scientific field:
  • He is a professor who specializes in magnetism and electromagnetism.
  • The discovery of magnetism was a crucial step in understanding physics.
• As a physical force:
  • The magnetism of the Earth guides compass needles.
  • This metal exhibits strong magnetism when placed near a coil of wire with an electric current.
• As a figurative quality:
  • The actor's personal magnetism captivated the entire audience.
  • She has a magnetism that makes people want to be around her.

Advanced Usage

• "Animal magnetism": An old term, historically referring to a supposed natural energetic force or a compelling personal charm.
  • The politician was said to possess a kind of animal magnetism that drew crowds.
• Residual/Remanent magnetism: The magnetization left behind in a ferromagnetic material after an external magnetic field is removed.
  • The remanent magnetism in the rock provided clues about the Earth's ancient magnetic field.

Variants and Related Words

• Magnetic (adj):
  • Having the properties of a magnet; capable of being attracted by or acquiring the properties of a magnet. (Example: a magnetic material)
  • Very attractive or alluring. (Example: a magnetic personality)
• Magnetize (verb): To give magnetic properties to something; to attract strongly.
  • You can magnetize a steel needle by stroking it with a magnet.
• Magnet (noun): An object that produces a magnetic field.
  • She used a magnet to pick up the pins.

Synonyms

• Attraction (for the physical and figurative senses).
• Allure, Charisma, Appeal (for the figurative sense).
• Lodestone (historical synonym for a natural magnet).

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Magnetic field: The region around a magnet where magnetic force is exerted.
  • The Earth's magnetic field protects us from solar radiation.
• Magnetic pole: One of the two ends of a magnet where the magnetic force is strongest.
  • The compass needle points toward the north magnetic pole.
• Magnetic resonance: A physical phenomenon used in imaging (e.g., MRI).
  • Magnetic resonance imaging provides detailed pictures of the body's interior.

Noun

1. the branch of science that studies magnetism
2. attraction for iron; associated with electric currents as well as magnets; characterized by fields of force