paleomagnetism

noun

pa·​leo·​mag·​ne·​tism ˌpā-lē-ō-ˈmag-nə-ˌti-zəm How to pronounce paleomagnetism (audio)
 especially British  ˌpa-
1
: the intensity and direction of residual magnetization in ancient rocks
2
: a science that deals with paleomagnetism
paleomagnetic adjective
paleomagnetically adverb
paleomagnetist noun

Examples of paleomagnetism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web AlamyMerriam Crater and Grand Falls Merriam Crater and some other nearby volcanic vents erupted ~20,000 years ago (based on exposure dating of the lava flows and paleomagnetism) and sent lava flows over 10 kilometers towards the Little Colorado River canyon. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 2017 Both faculty at Kent State University, Anne Jefferson studies water, especially in urban environments while Chris Rowan works on paleomagnetism and tectonics. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 31 Jan. 2017 Paleontologists still commonly use biostratigraphy to date fossils, often in combination with paleomagnetism and tephrochronology. Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 31 May 2016

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'paleomagnetism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

paleo- + magnetism

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of paleomagnetism was in 1854

Dictionary Entries Near paleomagnetism

Cite this Entry

“Paleomagnetism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paleomagnetism. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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