từ thạch

Từ thạch hút các mảnh sắt vụn trên bàn.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Magnet (specifically lodestone): A naturally occurring mineral (magnetite) that possesses magnetic properties and can attract iron. This is the historical and specific term for a natural magnet.
   • Magnet (general, archaic): An archaic or literary term for any magnet, though it primarily denotes the natural form.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Người xưa đã sử dụng từ thạch để định hướng. (The ancients used lodestone for navigation.)
  • Viên từ thạch hút các mẩu sắt nhỏ. (The lodestone attracts small pieces of iron.)

Advanced Usage

• This term is primarily used in historical, scientific, or literary contexts. In modern everyday language, the more common word for any magnet (natural or artificial) is "nam châm."
• It can be found in classical texts or when referring to the historical discovery and use of magnetism.

Variants and Related Words

• Nam châm (n): Magnet. The standard modern word for any magnet.
  • Nam châm điện rất mạnh. (The electromagnet is very strong.)

Synonyms

• Lodestone: A naturally magnetized piece of the mineral magnetite.
• Natural magnet: A magnet that occurs in nature without artificial magnetization.

Notes on Usage

• "Từ thạch" is an archaic term. Learners should be aware that "nam châm" is the universally understood modern equivalent for all types of magnets.
• It specifically refers to the natural, mineral form, distinguishing it from modern manufactured magnets.