electromagnetism

noun

elec·​tro·​mag·​ne·​tism i-ˌlek-trō-ˈmag-nə-ˌti-zəm How to pronounce electromagnetism (audio)
1
: magnetism developed by a current of electricity
2
a
: a fundamental physical force that is responsible for interactions between charged particles which occur because of their charge and for the emission and absorption of photons, that is about a hundredth the strength of the strong force, and that extends over infinite distances but is dominant over atomic and molecular distances

called also electromagnetic force

compare gravity sense 3a(2), strong force, weak force
b
: a branch of physical science that deals with the physical relations between electricity and magnetism

Examples of electromagnetism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This duality reflects the unified nature of electromagnetism, as revealed by the Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell in a handful of equations in the 1800s. Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 25 Sep. 2024 The system could improve devices that use magnets, as well as enable a range of new experiments that probe electromagnetism. Michael Irving, New Atlas, 25 Sep. 2024 As Desmond and Sayid were flown to the freighter anchored just off the coast of the island, Desmond began to suffer a unique side effect from the electromagnetism as his consciousness jumped back and forth between 1996 and 2004, and amnesia erased all memory of his time on the island. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 20 Sep. 2024 The apparent nature of the strong force just seemed unreasonable; totally different from anything in electromagnetism. Aaron Shattuck, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for electromagnetism 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'electromagnetism.' 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 at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of electromagnetism was in 1821

Dictionary Entries Near electromagnetism

Cite this Entry

“Electromagnetism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electromagnetism. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

electromagnetism

noun
elec·​tro·​mag·​ne·​tism i-ˌlek-trō-ˈmag-nə-ˌtiz-əm How to pronounce electromagnetism (audio)
1
: magnetism developed by a current of electricity
2
: a natural force arising from interactions between charged particles

Medical Definition

electromagnetism

noun
elec·​tro·​mag·​ne·​tism i-ˌlek-trō-ˈmag-nə-ˌtiz-əm How to pronounce electromagnetism (audio)
1
: magnetism developed by a current of electricity
2
: physics dealing with the relations between electricity and magnetism

More from Merriam-Webster on electromagnetism

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