magnetism

noun

mag·ne·tism | \ ˈmag-nə-ˌti-zəm

Definition of magnetism

1a : a class of physical phenomena that include the attraction for iron observed in lodestone and a magnet, are inseparably associated with moving electricity, are exhibited by both magnets and electric currents, and are characterized by fields of force

b : a science that deals with magnetic phenomena

2 : an ability to attract or charm

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about magnetism

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Examples of magnetism in a Sentence

Much of his success as a politician can be attributed to his personal magnetism. she managed to win the election by sheer magnetism

Recent Examples on the Web Kent used changes in Earth's magnetism in the soil to pinpoint the more exact date of the Greenland fossils. — Seth Borenstein, ajc, "Some dinosaur migration was delayed by climate, study shows," 16 Feb. 2021 Like the electron, the muon spins like a top, and its spin imbues it with magnetism. — Adrian Cho, Science | AAAS, "The cloak-and-dagger tale behind this year’s most anticipated result in particle physics," 27 Jan. 2021 Measuring the height above sea level has always been tricky because ocean levels vary considerably depending on tides, magnetism and other factors. — NBC News, "Why did Mount Everest's height change?," 9 Dec. 2020 There were signs that Mr. Trump’s magnetism is already ebbing. — New York Times, "A Shattering Blow to America’s Troubled Democratic Image," 7 Jan. 2021 His willful, sometimes autocratic manner and gaunt good looks contributed to his magnetism. — New York Times, "Pierre Cardin, Designer to the Famous and Merchant to the Masses, Dies at 98," 29 Dec. 2020 These devices typically use one of two resistance systems: one based upon friction, or another based upon magnetism. — Popsci Commerce Team, Popular Science, "Best exercise bike: Get your miles in without leaving the house," 19 Dec. 2020 Still, phrased the right way, the thought has an insistent, uncanny magnetism. — Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, "What If You Could Do It All Over?," 14 Dec. 2020 TWO CENTURIES ago Hans Christian Oersted, a Danish physicist, demonstrated that the motion of an electric charge produces magnetism. — The Economist, "Manipulating magnetism Can you generate a magnetic field remotely?," 7 Nov. 2020

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

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Dictionary Entries near magnetism

magnetic wire

magnetic wire recorder

Statistics for magnetism

Last Updated

23 Feb 2021

Cite this Entry

“Magnetism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnetism. Accessed 4 Mar. 2021.

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More Definitions for magnetism

magnetism

noun

English Language Learners Definition of magnetism

: the property of attracting certain metals : the attracting property of a magnet

: a quality that makes someone able to attract and hold the interest of other people

See the full definition for magnetism in the English Language Learners Dictionary

magnetism

noun

mag·ne·tism | \ ˈmag-nə-ˌti-zəm

Kids Definition of magnetism

1 : a magnet's power to attract

2 : the power to attract others : personal charm

magnetism

noun

mag·ne·tism | \ ˈmag-nə-ˌtiz-əm

Medical Definition of magnetism

: a class of physical phenomena that include the attraction for iron observed in lodestone and a magnet, are inseparably associated with moving electricity, are exhibited by both magnets and electric currents, and are characterized by fields of force

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