magnetotail

noun

mag·​ne·​to·​tail
"+
: the region of the magnetosphere of a celestial body (such as a planet) that is swept back by the solar wind in the direction away from the sun

Word History

Etymology

magnet- + tail

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of magnetotail was in 1968

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near magnetotail

Cite this Entry

“Magnetotail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnetotail. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!