electromagnet

noun

elec·​tro·​mag·​net i-ˌlek-trō-ˈmag-nət How to pronounce electromagnet (audio)
: 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 Melt in the core consisting of swirling iron and nickel generates an electric current, which in turn powers a planet-sized electromagnet. Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Oct. 2023 Watch Iron Man on Disney+ Iron Man 2 Tony Stark is slowly being poisoned by the palladium core of the electromagnet keeping him alive, and he’s further stressed by the pressure to share his suits with the government and military. Jacqueline Weiss, Peoplemag, 10 Nov. 2023 The body housed an onboard accelerometer to measure impact deceleration as well as a ferromagnetic ball so that the impactor could be dropped from varying heights via an electromagnet. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 6 Nov. 2023 Ampère’s Law is used to determine the magnetic field generated by an electric current—which is needed in building electromagnets, motors, generators, and transformers. IEEE Spectrum, 11 July 2023 Pulses of power to the electromagnets create push and pull between the two bands and make the wheel spin. WIRED, 3 Oct. 2023 The inner band is fixed to the hub and consists of electromagnets. WIRED, 3 Oct. 2023 The computer that controls this electromagnet now looks at speed and lateral acceleration to provide a more stable, progressive feel at the steering-wheel rim. Csaba Csere, Car and Driver, 7 Sep. 2023 That saves a lot of energy from being lost and also makes for powerful electromagnets. Justine Calma, The Verge, 10 Aug. 2023 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of electromagnet was in 1821

Dictionary Entries Near electromagnet

Cite this Entry

“Electromagnet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electromagnet. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

electromagnet

noun
elec·​tro·​mag·​net i-ˌlek-trō-ˈmag-nət How to pronounce electromagnet (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce electromagnet (audio)
: a core of magnetic material surrounded by a coil of wire through which an electric current is passed to magnetize the core

More from Merriam-Webster on electromagnet

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