magnetic north

noun

: the northerly direction in the earth's magnetic field indicated by the north-seeking pole of a compass needle

Examples of magnetic north in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The equatorial low-velocity zone could act as sort of lens, focusing the magnetic field lines into a bipolar field with a magnetic north and a magnetic south. David Bressan, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024 Like the Earth, the sun has magnetic north and south poles—but unlike Earth, those poles flip positions every 11 years. Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 June 2024 Give him a relentless work ethic, an addiction to risk and a moral compass that puts his own interests at its magnetic north pole. Will Oremus, Washington Post, 10 Sep. 2023 But magnetic north doesn’t line up perfectly with true north, the point where the Earth’s axis hits the surface (and above which the North Star sits). Julie Rehmeyer, Discover Magazine, 7 Nov. 2018 See all Example Sentences for magnetic north 

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of magnetic north was in 1812

Dictionary Entries Near magnetic north

Cite this Entry

“Magnetic north.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnetic%20north. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

magnetic north

noun
: the northerly direction in the earth's magnetic field indicated by the north-seeking pole of a compass needle
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