maglev

noun, often attributive mag·lev \ ˈmag-lev \

Definition of maglev

1 :the use of the physical properties of magnetic fields generated by superconducting magnets to cause an object (such as a vehicle) to float above a solid surface

2 :a train utilizing maglev technology

Recent Examples of maglev from the Web

That’s a little faster than the fastest normal operating speed for a train in the world today, the Shanghai maglev.

— emily badger, The Seattle Times, "Why even the hyperloop wouldn’t change commute times," 10 Aug. 2017
That’s a little faster than the fastest operating speed for a train in the world today, the Shanghai maglev.

— emily badger, New York Times, "Why Even the Hyperloop Probably Wouldn’t Change Your Commute Time," 10 Aug. 2017
Musk has criticized the state's slow moving dream project of a bullet train between San Francisco and Los Angeles, offering his maglev Hyperloop train as an alternative.

— david grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Elon Musk Says the City of L.A. Is Warming Up to His Big Tunnel Idea," 19 June 2017
But more will be spent on infrastructure, including the maglev train, which the government wants to help build between Tokyo and Osaka by as early as 2037, eight years earlier than a previous timetable.

— jonathan soble, New York Times, "Helicopter Money: Why Some Economists Are Talking About Dropping Money From the Sky JULY 28, 2016," 2 Aug. 2016
Specifically, its taking aim at traditional maglev systems, which often require a powered track.

— brent rose, WIRED, "Riding the Hendo Hoverboard 2.0 Is Like Levitating the Gnar," 11 Mar. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'maglev.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of maglev

magnetic levitation

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First Known Use: 1969

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