paramagnet

[par-uh-mag-nit, par-uh-mag-]

noun Physics.

a body or substance that, placed in a magnetic field, possesses magnetization in direct proportion to the field strength; a substance in which the magnetic moments of the atoms are not aligned.

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Compare antiferromagnetic, diamagnetic, ferromagnetic.

Origin of paramagnet

1905–10; back formation from paramagnetic; see para-¹, magnet

Related formspar·a·mag·net·ism, nounpar·a·mag·net·ic

[par-uh-mag-net-ik] /ˌpær ə mægˈnɛt ɪk/, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for paramagnetic

Historical Examples

Bodies that point axially, or are paramagnetic, like a suspended needle.
The Boy's Playbook of Science
John Henry Pepper
He anchored one end of it there by flipping the paramagnetic control on the tape case, and pulled the tape across the room.
Breaking Point
James E. Gunn
The first group is paramagnetic and positive; the corresponding one is diamagnetic and negative.
Occult Chemistry
Annie Besant and Charles W. Leadbeater
They are all monads and paramagnetic; lithium, potassium and rubidium are positive, while fluorine and manganese are negative.
Occult Chemistry
Annie Besant and Charles W. Leadbeater
The corresponding group consists of nitrogen, vanadium and niobium; they are triatomic, paramagnetic, and negative.
Occult Chemistry
Annie Besant and Charles W. Leadbeater

Word Origin and History for paramagnetic

adj.

1850, from para- (1) + magnetic.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper