magnetic

views updated May 29 2018

mag·net·ic / magˈnetik/ • adj. 1. having the properties of a magnet; exhibiting magnetism: the clock has a magnetic back to stick to the fridge. ∎  capable of being attracted by or acquiring the properties of a magnet: steel is magnetic. ∎  relating to or involving magnetism: an airborne magnetic survey. ∎  (of a bearing in navigation) measured relative to magnetic north.2. very attractive or alluring: his magnetic personality.DERIVATIVES: mag·net·i·cal·ly / -ik(ə)lē/ adv.

magnetic

views updated May 09 2018

magnetic magnetic north the direction in which the north end of a compass needle or other freely suspended magnet will point in response to the earth's magnetic field. It deviates from true north over time and from place to place because the earth's magnetic poles are not fixed in relation to its axis.
magnetic pole each of the points near the extremities of the axis of rotation of the earth or another celestial body where a magnetic needle dips vertically.