magnetic quantum number

noun

Physics.

1. the quantum number that designates the component of the orbital angular momentum in a fixed direction and that can assume all integral values between and including the orbital quantum number and the negative of the orbital quantum number.

magnetic quantum number

1. The quantum number corresponding to the shape of electron subshells in an atom.

2. Also called third quantum number

3. See Note at quantum number

Word History and Origins

Origin of magnetic quantum number¹

First recorded in 1920–25