magnetic pole

noun

1
: either of two small regions which are located respectively in the polar areas of the northern and southern hemispheres and toward which a compass needle points from any direction throughout adjacent regions
also : either of two comparable regions on a celestial body
2
: either of the poles of a magnet

Examples of magnetic pole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web An alignment between the magnetic poles of Earth and the solar wind means that the northern and southern lights can be at their most intense around the equinoxes, making September a critical month for aurora sightings across the globe. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 8 Sep. 2024 The northern lights are a luminous glow seen around the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemispheres, according to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 12 Aug. 2024 Neutron stars can create the illusion by having magnetic poles that aren't lined up with their rotational pole. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 5 June 2024 The magnetic poles are a source of constant radio emissions, but as the neutron star rotates, the emissions from the magnetic pole sweep across space in a manner similar to the light from a rotating lighthouse. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 5 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for magnetic pole 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'magnetic pole.' 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

1701, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of magnetic pole was in 1701

Dictionary Entries Near magnetic pole

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

magnetic pole

noun
1
: either of two small regions of the earth which are located near the North and South Poles and toward which a compass needle points
2
: either of the poles of a magnet

More from Merriam-Webster on magnetic pole

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