acoustomagnetic

adjective

acous·​to·​mag·​net·​ic ə-¦kü-stō-mag-¦ne-tik How to pronounce acoustomagnetic (audio)
: of, relating to, or being a magnetic material that produces oscillations in a fashion that resembles acoustic waves
They report that the newest and fastest-growing version of the technology, known as acoustomagnetic surveillance, temporarily affected the functioning of pacemakers in 48 of 50 subjects tested.P. Weiss, Science News, 7 Nov. 1998

Note: Acoustomagnetic devices are sometimes used in product packaging as security against shoplifting. The device oscillates in response to an electromagnetic signal, producing a response that can be easily detected.

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of acoustomagnetic was in 1965

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Cite this Entry

“Acoustomagnetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acoustomagnetic. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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