magnetic resonance

noun

: the excitation of particles (such as atomic nuclei or electrons) in a magnetic field by exposure to electromagnetic radiation of a specific frequency

Examples of magnetic resonance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Scientists could perform brain scans to look at how social media affects the brain’s reward centers, but that would require teenagers to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans—which would also not exactly be a true snapshot of their real-life social media use, Radesky says. —Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 24 Mar. 2026

The medical industry uses helium to cool superconducting magnets powering magnetic resonance imaging machines. —ABC News, 20 Mar. 2026

Using a technique called proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS), scientists can measure brain chemicals in real time. —Lauren Manaker, SELF, 5 Mar. 2026

The Twins sent the pitcher for magnetic resonance imaging on Monday after López felt the elbow soreness. —Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 17 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

magnetic resonance

noun

: the absorption of energy exhibited by particles (as atomic nuclei or electrons) in a static magnetic field when the particles are exposed to electromagnetic radiation of certain frequencies

—abbreviation MR see nuclear magnetic resonance