magnetic pole

views updated Jun 11 2018

mag·net·ic pole • n. 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. ∎  each of the two points or regions of an artificial or natural magnet to and from which the lines of magnetic force are directed.

magnetic north

views updated May 23 2018

mag·net·ic north • n. 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.