Magnus effect

American

[mag-nuhs] / ˈmæg nəs /

noun

Mechanics.

the thrust on a cylinder rotating about its axis while in motion in a fluid, the thrust being perpendicular to the relative motion of the cylinder in the fluid.

Etymology

Origin of Magnus effect

1920–25; after Heinrich G. Magnus (1802–70), German scientist

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.

See Examples For:

Magnus effect

Researchers at the University of Amsterdam had predicted the optical Magnus effect theoretically several years ago.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 13, 2026

It's called the Magnus effect and is the same principle which causes a spinning football to bend through the air - especially when kicked by David Beckham.

From BBC ● Oct. 13, 2025

Wrist pronation, callosified skin, Amped rotation to optimize spin; With the Magnus effect zooming in, it tricks your view.

From Washington Post ● Aug. 3, 2017

This force is known as the Magnus effect, and it explains why Kershaw made the Highland Park varsity as a freshman.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 11, 2014

As a spinning ball whips air off to one side, the so-called Magnus effect pushes the ball in the opposite direction.

From Scientific American ● Dec. 15, 2013

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023