magnetite
noun
mag·ne·tite
ˈmag-nə-ˌtīt 
: a black isometric mineral of the spinel group that is an oxide of iron and an important iron ore
Examples of magnetite in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But previous reports show that magnetite subjected only to Earth’s natural magnetic field can still cause an initial, though smaller, bias toward one form of a chiral molecule.
—
Byrobert F. Service, science.org, 13 June 2023
Jesuit church ruins from the 17th century, like the São Miguel das Missões, were built with clay bricks that contain magnetite, which realigned with earth's magnetic field when it was fired in kilns.
—Andrew Jenner, Discover Magazine, 28 Sep. 2016
The atmosphere could have also fueled chemical reactions with the surface rocks, offering an explanation for the presence of magnetite in lunar rocks brought back to Earth, a mineral that requires concentrations of oxygen not normally found on the moon.
—Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 6 Oct. 2017
Early iron compass needles were magnetized by lodestone or magnetite minerals pulled from Earth.
—Jennifer Leman, Popular Mechanics, 29 Mar. 2023
The rocky planets all share minerals like olivine, feldspar, pyroxene and magnetite, but only this blue-green world has abundant hornblende, biotite, muscovite … and all those clays — all minerals that require water in their structure.
—Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 5 Sep. 2019
Australia produces a higher amount of hematite iron ore than any other country, which contains a larger quantity of usable iron than itabirite or magnetite.
—Ben Westcott, CNN, 6 May 2021
Some birds, such as pigeons, have small crystals of magnetite in their beaks.
—Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 8 July 2010
As the magma rises, cools and gets pushed aside by newer magma, the magnetite within it preserves a record of Earth’s fickle magnetic field.
—Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 11 June 2019
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Byrobert F. Service, science.org, 13 June 2023
Jesuit church ruins from the 17th century, like the São Miguel das Missões, were built with clay bricks that contain magnetite, which realigned with earth's magnetic field when it was fired in kilns.
—Andrew Jenner, Discover Magazine, 28 Sep. 2016
The atmosphere could have also fueled chemical reactions with the surface rocks, offering an explanation for the presence of magnetite in lunar rocks brought back to Earth, a mineral that requires concentrations of oxygen not normally found on the moon.
—Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 6 Oct. 2017
Early iron compass needles were magnetized by lodestone or magnetite minerals pulled from Earth.
—Jennifer Leman, Popular Mechanics, 29 Mar. 2023
The rocky planets all share minerals like olivine, feldspar, pyroxene and magnetite, but only this blue-green world has abundant hornblende, biotite, muscovite … and all those clays — all minerals that require water in their structure.
—Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 5 Sep. 2019
Australia produces a higher amount of hematite iron ore than any other country, which contains a larger quantity of usable iron than itabirite or magnetite.
—Ben Westcott, CNN, 6 May 2021
Some birds, such as pigeons, have small crystals of magnetite in their beaks.
—Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 8 July 2010
As the magma rises, cools and gets pushed aside by newer magma, the magnetite within it preserves a record of Earth’s fickle magnetic field.
—Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 11 June 2019
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'magnetite.' 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
1851, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near magnetite
Cite this Entry
“Magnetite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnetite. Accessed 25 Sep. 2023.
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Kids Definition
magnetite
noun
mag·ne·tite
ˈmag-nə-ˌtīt
: a black mineral that is an oxide of iron, is strongly attracted by a magnet, and is an important iron ore
More from Merriam-Webster on magnetite
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about magnetite
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