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

Compare antiferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic, ferromagnetic, paramagnetic.

Origin of diamagnetic

First recorded in 1840–50; dia- + magnetic

Related formsdi·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 diamagnetism

If the body is more sensitive than the air, there is direct magnetism, but if it is less so, there is diamagnetism.
Scientific American Supplement, No. 315, January 14, 1882|Various
The properties of paramagnetism and diamagnetism are not possessed by solids only, but exist also in liquids and gases.
Beacon Lights of History, Volume XIV|John Lord
Rapidly following it is the discovery of Diamagnetism, or the repulsion of matter by a magnet.
Fragments of science, V. 1-2|John Tyndall
At the last lecture we attended he showed the diamagnetism of flame, which had been proved by a foreign philosopher.
Personal Recollections, from Early Life to Old Age, of Mary Somerville|Mary Somerville

If we present to it the vibrating body, it will be repelled, and we shall obtain the results known by the name of diamagnetism.
Scientific American Supplement, No. 315, January 14, 1882|Various

British Dictionary definitions for diamagnetism (1 of 2)

diamagnetism

/ (ˌdaɪəˈmæɡnɪˌtɪzəm) /

noun

the phenomenon exhibited by substances that have a relative permeability less than unity and a negative susceptibility. It is caused by the orbital motion of electrons in the atoms of the material and is unaffected by temperatureCompare ferromagnetism, paramagnetism

British Dictionary definitions for diamagnetism (2 of 2)

diamagnetic

/ (ˌdaɪəmæɡˈnɛtɪk) /

adjective

of, exhibiting, or concerned with diamagnetism

Derived Formsdiamagnetically, 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 diamagnetism

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