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

Word History

First Known Use

1701, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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