electromagnet

noun

elec·​tro·​mag·​net i-ˌlek-trō-ˈmag-nət 

: a core of magnetic material (such as iron) surrounded by a coil of wire through which an electric current is passed to magnetize the core

Examples of electromagnet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These accidents have happened in the past: In 2001, a 6-year-old boy was killed during an MRI at a hospital in Valhalla, New York, after a metal oxygen tank flew across the room when the machine’s electromagnet turned on. —Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 20 July 2025

However, there is a back-up electromagnet just in case. —New Atlas, 22 May 2025

These consist of a mini-keyboard with a one- or two-octave range and metal reeds inside that are set in motion by electromagnets, generating harmonic motion and producing audible sound. —Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 18 May 2025

He is held captive by the terrorist group Ten Rings and eventually escapes in a suit of powered armor, kept alive by an electromagnet in his chest. —Jacqueline Weiss, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for electromagnet

• ferromagnet
• magnate
• magnet

Kids Definition

electromagnet

noun

elec·​tro·​mag·​net i-ˌlek-trō-ˈmag-nət 

: a core of magnetic material (as soft iron) surrounded by a coil of wire through which an electric current is passed to magnetize the core

Medical Definition

electromagnet

noun

elec·​tro·​mag·​net i-ˌlek-trō-ˈmag-nət 

: a core of magnetic material surrounded by a coil of wire through which an electric current is passed to magnetize the core