magnetism

American  

[mag-ni-tiz-uhm] / ˈmæg nɪˌtɪz əm /

noun

1. the properties of attraction possessed by magnets; the molecular properties common to magnets.

2. the agency producing magnetic phenomena.

3. the science dealing with magnetic phenomena.

4. strong attractive power or charm.

   Everyone succumbed to the magnetism of his smile.

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magnetism British  

/ ˈmæɡnɪˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. the property of attraction displayed by magnets

2. any of a class of phenomena in which a field of force is caused by a moving electric charge See also electromagnetism ferromagnetism diamagnetism paramagnetism

3. the branch of physics concerned with magnetic phenomena

4. powerful attraction

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magnetism Scientific  

/ măg′nĭ-tĭz′əm /

1. The properties or effects of magnetic fields.

2. The force produced by a magnetic field.

3. See more at magnetic field

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magnetism Cultural  

1. A fundamental property of some materials (for example, iron) and electrical currents (see also current) by which they are capable of exerting a force on magnets. (See electromagnet, magnet, and magnetic field.)

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Closer Look

Magnetism is intimately linked with electricity, in that a magnetic field is established whenever electric charges are in motion, as in the flow of electrons in a wire, or the movement of electrons around an atomic nucleus. In atoms, this invisible field consists of closed loops called lines of force that surround and run through the atom. Magnetic regions where lines of force come together densely are called north and south poles. In substances in which the magnetic fields of each atom are aligned, the magnetic field causes the entire substance to act like single magnet—with north and south poles and a surrounding magnetic field. Permanent magnets are made of substances that retain this alignment. If a magnet is cut in two, each piece becomes a separate magnet with two poles. A coil of wire wrapped around an iron core can be made magnetic by running electric current through it; the looping electrons then create a magnetic field in just the same way as the spinning electrons in individual atoms. As long as current flows, the coil remains magnetized. Such magnets, called electromagnets, are used in many devices such as doorbells and switches. The connection between electric and magnetic fields is not one of cause and effect, however. Einstein showed that both the magnetic and electric fields are part of a single electromagnetic field, described by a single mathematical object called a tensor. Observers in different reference frames will not observe the same separate values for electric and magnetic fields, but will observe identical electromagnetic tensors. Whether or not magnetic monopoles (elementary particles carrying an isolated north or south magnetic “charge,” analogous to positive or negative electric charge) actually exist remains unknown; though they are predicted by some theories, none have been detected.

Other Word Forms

• magnetist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of magnetism

From the New Latin word magnētismus, dating back to 1610–20. See magnet, -ism

Explanation

Magnetism is the power to attract. It refers to the attraction to iron and other metals in electric currents and magnets, or to the other kind of attraction — where people want to be close to each other. Different kinds of magnetism cause some magnets to attract, while others repel. Magnetism can also be called a magnetic force or magnetic attraction. Chemistry and earth science are two classes you might learn about magnetism in. Outside of the classroom, magnetism can be the force of attraction between people — if you have animal magnetism, don’t worry, a giraffe isn’t going to stick to you, but watch out for people with lovey eyes.

Example Sentences

What Mr. Cain has created is a study in individual magnetism and group dynamics: how humans master their emotions and tame their demons and learn to work together—or don’t.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

Saar’s magnetism either comes from being one of the most important living artists of the last century, the fact that her 100th birthday is approaching or being a Leo.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

But while they may lack the pure movie-star magnetism of the Reno-Portman team, Ms. Boullet and Mr. Abdul-Mateen are equally able actors, even more convincing emotionally, and inclined to generate more tension than warmth.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

This insight helps explain how magnetism and superconductivity can coexist in materials with strong directional properties like UTe2.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

The search for the Northwest Passage, or the attempt to explain planetary motion on the model of magnetism, were mistaken but useful.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Related Words

• allure
• charisma