dipole
Americannoun
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Physics, Electricity. a pair of electric point charges or magnetic poles of equal magnitude and opposite signs, separated by an infinitesimal distance.
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Physical Chemistry. a polar molecule.
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Also called dipole antenna. Radio, Television. an antenna of a transmitter or receiving set consisting of two equal rods extending in opposite direction from the connection to the lead-in wire.
noun
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two electric charges or magnetic poles that have equal magnitudes but opposite signs and are separated by a small distance
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a molecule in which the centre of positive charge does not coincide with the centre of negative charge
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Also called: dipole aerial. a directional radio or television aerial consisting of two equal lengths of metal wire or rods, with a connecting wire fixed between them in the form of a T
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A pair of electric charges or magnetic poles, of equal magnitude but of opposite sign or polarity, separated by a small distance.
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A molecule having two such charges or poles.
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An antenna consisting of two rods of equal length extending outward in a straight line. Dipole antennas are usually used for frequencies below 30 megahertz.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of dipole
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
These atoms are extremely sensitive to electric fields because of their large electric dipole moments, and their behavior can be tied to well-known atomic properties.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 17, 2026
These tiny magnets are called magnetic dipole moments.
From Science Daily ● Mar. 16, 2026
To test this generalized dipole model, Dr. Lokos suggested comparing it with real experimental data from the LHC.
From Science Daily ● Jan. 5, 2026
Earth's dipole field, created by its liquid outer iron core, produces a magnetic field that loops from the North Pole to the South Pole and is the reason compasses point toward the poles.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 25, 2024
The approved wire dipole antennas were supposed to be placed within a two-by-four-foot area on the wall—where, apparently, they did no good at all.
From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover
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