magnetic
Americanadjective
-
having the properties of a magnet.
-
capable of being magnetized or attracted by a magnet.
-
pertaining to the magnetic field of the earth.
the magnetic equator.
-
exerting a strong attractive power or charm.
a magnetic personality.
- Synonyms:
- captivating, charismatic, persuasive
-
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
- magnetically adverb
- nonmagnetic adjective
- nonmagnetical adjective
- nonmagnetically adverb
- overmagnetic adjective
- overmagnetically adverb
- semimagnetic adjective
- semimagnetical adjective
- semimagnetically adverb
- unmagnetic adjective
- unmagnetical adjective
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.
The results matched the experimental data closely, especially the unusual way superconductivity changes with the direction of the magnetic field.
From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026
Most existing designs rely on magnetic components such as inductors.
From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026
A first-of-its-kind space mission is planning to reveal more about the magnetic bubble surrounding the earth.
From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026
Ask anyone who sold magnetic tape in 1985.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026
She returns her prosthetic arm to her stump, wincing at the momentary pinch of the magnetic fields that hold it tight.
From "The Adoration of Jenna Fox" by Mary E. Pearson
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.
