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definitions

paramagnet

[par-uh-mag-nit, par-uh-mag-]
noun Physics.
  1. 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.
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 of paramagnetic

  • Bodies that point axially, or are paramagnetic, like a suspended needle.

  • 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.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper