diamagnetic

[ dahy-uh-mag-net-ik ]

/ ˌdaɪ ə mægˈnɛt ɪk /

adjective Physics.

of or relating to a class of substances, as bismuth and copper, whose permeability is less than that of a vacuum: in a magnetic field, their induced magnetism is in a direction opposite to that of iron.

Nearby words

dialyzate, dialyze, dialyzer, diam., diamagnet, diamagnetic, diamagnetism, diamantiferous, diamantina, diamantine, diamanté

Compare antiferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic, ferromagnetic, paramagnetic.

Origin of diamagnetic

First recorded in 1840–50; dia- + magnetic

Related forms

di·a·mag·net·i·cal·ly, adverbdi·a·mag·net·ism

[dahy-uh-mag-ni-tiz-uh m] /ˌdaɪ əˈmæg nɪˌtɪz əm/, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for diamagnetic

So far an identity of action was established between magnetic and diamagnetic bodies.
Faraday As A Discoverer|John Tyndall
Nitrogen is neither paramagnetic nor diamagnetic, and is equivalent to a vacuum.
The Boy's Playbook of Science|John Henry Pepper
Water is diamagnetic, sulphate of iron is strongly magnetic.
Faraday As A Discoverer|John Tyndall
All the tissues of the human body, the blood—though it contains iron—included, were proved to be diamagnetic.
Faraday As A Discoverer|John Tyndall

These rays impinge upon a diamagnetic surface which is concave.
Second Sight|Sepharial

British Dictionary definitions for diamagnetic

diamagnetic

/ (ˌdaɪəmæɡˈnɛtɪk) /

adjective

of, exhibiting, or concerned with diamagnetism

Derived Forms

diamagnetically, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Science definitions for diamagnetic

diamagnetism

[ dī′ə-măg′nĭ-tĭz′əm ]

The property of being repelled by both poles of a magnet. Most substances commonly considered to be nonmagnetic, such as water, are actually diamagnetic. Though diamagnetism is a very weak effect compared with ferromagnetism and paramagnetism, it can be used to levitate objects. Compare ferromagnetism paramagnetism. See also Lenz's law.

Related forms

diamagnetic adjective (dī′ə-măg-nĕt′ĭk)