electromagnetism

American  

[ih-lek-troh-mag-ni-tiz-uhm] / ɪˌlɛk troʊˈmæg nɪˌtɪz əm /

noun

1. the phenomena associated with electric and magnetic fields and their interactions with each other and with electric charges and currents.

2. Also the science that deals with these phenomena.

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electromagnetism British  

/ ɪˌlɛktrəʊˈmæɡnɪˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. magnetism produced by an electric current

2. Also called: electromagnetics.  the branch of physics concerned with magnetism produced by electric currents and with the interaction of electric and magnetic fields

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electromagnetism Scientific  

/ ĭ-lĕk′trō-măg′nĭ-tĭz′əm /

1. Any of the wide range of phenomena associated with the behavior and interaction of electric charges and electric and magnetic fields, such as electricity, magnetism, chemical bonds, and all forms of electromagnetic radiation, including light.

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Etymology

Origin of electromagnetism

First recorded in 1820–30; electro- + magnetism

Explanation

Electromagnetism is the interaction between the powerful, invisible forces that are caused by electrical charges and magnets. Electromagnetism is the way electrically charged particles interact, becoming magnetically attracted to, or repelled from, each other. In the early 19th century, scientists discovered that electricity and magnetism weren't two entirely separate phenomena, but instead together formed a force of nature as fundamental as gravity. They learned over time that electricity causes particles to become magnetized — and that magnetism can produce electric currents.

Example Sentences

Locals worry that electromagnetism and even glare can pose a health risk.

From Salon • Apr. 27, 2026

In 1864, James Clerk Maxwell, one of the towering figures of 19th-century science, published a theory of electromagnetism, unifying the two forces, now known as “Maxwell’s Equations.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

“Our study completes the work of Albert Einstein in his attempt to relate gravity and electromagnetism forces in the same geometric theory,” Monjo, a professor of mathematics at Saint Louis University in Spain, told Salon.

From Salon • Nov. 13, 2024

Dark matter is a type of hypothetical matter that does not interact with electromagnetism or light.

From Science Daily • Jan. 31, 2024

It was especially needed in the 1800s because light and electromagnetism were now seen as waves, which is to say types of vibrations.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson