magnetic needle

American  

noun

1. a slender magnetized steel rod that, when adjusted to swing in a horizontal plane, as in a compass, indicates the direction of the earth's magnetic fields or the approximate position of north and south.

---

magnetic needle British  

noun

1. a slender magnetized rod used in certain instruments, such as the magnetic compass, for indicating the direction of a magnetic field

---

Etymology

Origin of magnetic needle

First recorded in 1840–50

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

magnetic needle

Finding the magnetoreceptors responsible for triggering these neurons has been like looking for a magnetic needle in a haystack.

From Science Magazine ● Jun. 23, 2016

He said: "Nothing must deflect the magnetic needle."

From Time Magazine Archive

Last week Bendix Aviation Corp. announced a new automatic compass that makes the old magnetic needle* look as obsolete as a warrior's spear.

From Time Magazine Archive

A magnetic needle consists of a small bar magnet, supported upon a pivot or suspended so that it is free to turn in a horizontal or vertical plane.

From Hawkins Electrical Guide, Number One Questions, Answers, & Illustrations, A Progressive Course of Study for Engineers, Electricians, Students and Those Desiring to acquire a Working Knowledge of Electricity and its Applications by Nehemiah Hawkins

Unfavorable report on his petition for aid to enable him to make a voyage to Baffin's Bay to pursue his investigations of the causes of the variation of the magnetic needle.

From The Poems of Philip Freneau, Volume II (of III) by Philip Freneau

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---