magnetic recording

American  

noun

1. the process of recording sound or other data on magnetic tape, wire, etc.

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magnetic recording Scientific  

1. The recording of a signal, such as sound or computer instructions, in the form of a magnetic pattern on a magnetizable surface, such as tape or a disk coated with metal oxides. In the recording process, small electromagnets are used to convert an electrical signal into a magnetic one that magnetizes that surface. The value of the signal at any given point corresponds to the degree and polarity of magnetization of the surface at a corresponding point. During playback, the opposite process occurs, and the magnetic fields along the surface are converted into electrical signals for further processing.

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Other Word Forms

• magnetic recorder
  noun

Etymology

Origin of magnetic recording

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, Seagate looks to be “a less volatile beneficiary of the data explosion,” according to Newman, who pointed to its leadership with its heat-assisted magnetic recording, or HAMR, technology.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 14, 2026

However, to transition to higher areal densities, a high anisotropy magnetic recording medium consisting of FePt grains combined with heat-assisted laser writing is required.

From Science Daily • Apr. 8, 2024

“At such a short distance, the new heat-transfer effect is expected to play a significant role and so should be considered in the design of magnetic recording devices.”

From Scientific American • Dec. 11, 2019

He was early to embrace magnetic recording tape and then digital recording.

From New York Times • Aug. 25, 2016

It was on the 24th day of May, 1844, that Prof. Morse was ready to make the final test of his electric magnetic recording telegraph, and the wires between Washington and Baltimore were finally completed.

From Dorothy Payne, Quakeress A Side-Light upon the Career of 'Dolly' Madison by Barnard, Ella Kent