polarity

[poh-ler-uh-tee, puh-]

noun

1. Physics.

   1. the property or characteristic that produces unequal physical effects at different points in a body or system, as a magnet or storage battery.

   2. the positive or negative state in which a body reacts to a magnetic, electric, or other field.

2. the presence or manifestation of two opposite or contrasting principles or tendencies.

3. Linguistics.

   1. (of words, phrases, or sentences) positive or negative character.

   2. polar opposition.

polarity

/ pəʊˈlærɪtɪ /

noun

1. the condition of having poles

2. the condition of a body or system in which it has opposing physical properties at different points, esp magnetic poles or electric charge

3. the particular state of a part of a body or system that has polarity

   an electrode with positive polarity

4. the state of having or expressing two directly opposite tendencies, opinions, etc

polarity

1. The condition of having poles or being aligned with or directed toward poles, especially magnetic or electric poles.

Other Word Forms

• nonpolarity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of polarity¹

First recorded in 1640–50; polar + -ity

Example Sentences

Zhao describes the rehearsal as an “experiment in polarity” that was essential to the story.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

This imbalance produces a built-in electrical polarity and increases their sensitivity to light and external forces.

Read more on Science Daily

In the polar regions, the charge polarity matches the traditional theory.

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The magnetic field has changed its polarity thousands of times throughout the history of the Earth.

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The sheer level of polarity makes agreeing on a solution extremely difficult - as does the highly emotional nature of the debate.

Read more on BBC