Word
dipole
/ˈdaɪˌpoʊɫ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a pair of equal but opposite electric charges or magnetic poles that are very close together. In chemistry, it describes a molecule where one end is slightly positive and the other is slightly negative.
n. a pair of equal and opposite electric charges or magnetic poles separated by a small distance. In chemistry, it refers to a molecule with a permanent separation of charge, resulting in a positive and a negative end.
Examples
“Water is a common example of a polar dipole.”
“The alignment of dipoles in a liquid can be influenced by the presence of an external electric field.”
“In molecular biology, the formation of hydrogen bonds between water molecules is facilitated by the dipole-dipole interactions that occur between the oxygen and hydrogen atoms.”
Examples
simple
“Water is a common example of a polar dipole.”
contextual
“The alignment of dipoles in a liquid can be influenced by the presence of an external electric field.”
complex
“In molecular biology, the formation of hydrogen bonds between water molecules is facilitated by the dipole-dipole interactions that occur between the oxygen and hydrogen atoms.”
Real-World Examples
“A positive phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole – another large-scale shift in ocean temperatures – is expected to develop, while the tropical Atlantic is forecast to remain unusually warm.” “In photonics, imagine a periodic system where, in every unit cell, two identical dipoles point in opposite directions, like two opposing antennas.” Etymology
From di- + pole.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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