magnetic
Americanadjective
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having the properties of a magnet.
-
capable of being magnetized or attracted by a magnet.
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pertaining to the magnetic field of the earth.
the magnetic equator.
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exerting a strong attractive power or charm.
a magnetic personality.
- Synonyms:
- captivating, charismatic, persuasive
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noting or pertaining to various bearings and measurements as indicated by a magnetic compass.
magnetic amplitude;
magnetic course;
magnetic meridian.
adjective
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of, producing, or operated by means of magnetism
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of or concerned with a magnet
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of or concerned with the magnetism of the earth
the magnetic equator
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capable of being magnetized
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exerting a powerful attraction
a magnetic personality
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of magnetic
From the Late Latin word magnēticus, dating back to 1625–35. See magnet, -ic
Explanation
Things that are magnetic are attracted to metal. Also, people with charisma are called magnetic. If everything is attracted to you, whether you’re a refrigerator door or a rock star, you’re magnetic. Magnetic literally refers to something that attracts metal, like iron or steel. Refrigerator doors are magnetic, so magnets stick to it. Also, someone who is very popular and attracts people has a magnetic personality. A powerful speaker who attracts many fans has a magnetic way of speaking. Magnetic people make you want to get closer, like you’re being pulled by their magical magnetic force. Both senses of magnetic have to do with attraction.
Vocabulary lists containing magnetic
Waves and Wave Properties - Introductory
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Waves and Wave Properties - Middle School
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Electricity and Magnetism - Introductory
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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.
So are the MetroCards, the small yellow magnetic cards emblematic of the city, which have recently been retired from use -- they sell for $6.
From Barron's ● Oct. 11, 2026
This stream of charged particles can get captured by the Earth's magnetic field and directed into our atmosphere, especially towards polar regions.
From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026
The findings could influence the design of two major types of magnetic fusion devices: tokamaks and stellarators.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 10, 2026
On another wall in Inglethorpe's office is a magnetic board with headshots of every player in the academy on the left and the first team squad on the right.
From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2026
“It uses a magnetic concentrator built into the phone. That’s important to remember if you ever get lost somewhere without a cell tower.”
From "City Spies" by James Ponti
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
