Meissner effect

[mahys-ner]

noun

Physics.

1. the loss of magnetism that a superconductor displays when cooled to its transition temperature in a magnetic field.

Meissner effect

/ ˈmaɪsnə /

noun

1. physics the phenomenon in which magnetic flux is excluded from a substance when it is in a superconducting state, except for a thin layer at the surface

Word History and Origins

Origin of Meissner effect¹

After German physicist Fritz Walther Meissner (1882–1974), who contributed to a description of the effect in 1933

Word History and Origins

Origin of Meissner effect¹

C20: named after Fritz Walther Meissner (1882–1974), German physicist

Example Sentences

This so-called critical current behavior and the Meissner effect are the two key features of superconductors.

Read more on Science Daily

The levitation, the scientists said, demonstrated the Meissner effect, which ensures zero magnetic field inside a superconductor.

Read more on New York Times

One such test is for the Meissner effect: because a superconductor expels magnetic fields, it repels other magnets, producing an iconic levitating effect.

Read more on Scientific American

The South Korean researchers provided a video of what they say is LK-99 exhibiting the Meissner effect, but superconductors aren’t the only things that float above magnets—graphite, for example, also levitates.

Read more on Scientific American

That phenomenon, known as the Meissner effect, is considered to be definitive evidence of a superconductor.

Read more on New York Times