remanent
A bar magnet retains its remanent magnetism after the external magnetic field is removed.
Definition
- Adjective (Physics):
- Remaining or residual: "remanent" describes something that persists or is left over after a process, especially in the context of magnetism. It specifically refers to magnetization that remains in a material after the external magnetic field has been removed.
Usage Examples
- (The leftover magnetic field in the rock reveals past magnetic conditions.)
- (The steel retained some magnetic force even without an external field.)
Advanced Usage
"remanent magnetization" (also called remanence): the permanent magnetic memory of a material, often used in paleomagnetism to study Earth's magnetic field over time.
- Scientists measured the remanent magnetization of volcanic rocks to track continental drift. (They analyzed the residual magnetic field locked in the rocks.)
Archaic meaning: In older English (from Latin remanens), "remanent" could simply mean "remaining" or "left over" in a general sense, though this usage is now rare.
- The remanent funds were distributed among the heirs. (The leftover money was shared; note: this is an outdated use.)
Variants and Related Words
Remanence (noun): the state or property of being remanent; specifically, the residual magnetism in a material.
- The remanence of the alloy made it suitable for permanent magnets. (Its ability to hold magnetic field after removal.)
Remanent magnetization (noun phrase): the specific physical phenomenon of persistent magnetization.
Synonyms
- Residual: remaining after the main part has been removed or used.
- Leftover: still present after other parts have been taken away.
- Remaining: still existing or present.
Related Idioms
- No common idioms are associated with "remanent," as it is primarily a technical term in physics and geology. In general usage, it is replaced by "remaining" or "residual."