magnetic levitation

American  

noun

1. the suspension of an object above or below a second object by means of magnetic repulsion or attraction.

2. Railroads. the suspension of a vehicle above or below a suitable guide rail by such means, often with the vehicle being propelled by a linear induction motor.

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magnetic levitation Cultural  

1. A process by which a magnet moving over a piece of metal causes electric currents (see also current) to flow in the metal that, in turn, produce forces that push the magnet upward. If the force is large enough, the moving magnet can float (be levitated).

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Magnetic levitation (or maglev) trains are capable of cruising speeds of up to three hundred miles per hour.

Example Sentences

Additionally, observes Scientific American, superconductors repel magnetic fields, which could lead to more efficient magnetic levitation, or maglev, trains.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 10, 2023

A superconductor is characterized by zero resistivity and perfect diamagnetic behavior, which leads to dissipationless transport and magnetic levitation.

From Science Daily • Oct. 2, 2023

Some of the most exciting and promising clean tech — like magnetic levitation trains and other low-cost, high-speed transportation — could finally be viable for mass development with superconductor use.

From Salon • Aug. 10, 2023

The concept was resurrected in 2013 when Elon Musk published a whitepaper on the subject, incorporating magnetic levitation used by bullet trains and bestowing the current branding.

From The Verge • Feb. 22, 2022

The system worked with the same magnetic levitation technology used in Germany and Japan to propel bullet trains with magnets instead of wheels.

From "Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics" by Chris Grabenstein