ENGLISH
REFERENCE

magnetic

adj.
US //mæɡˈnɛtɪk// UK //mæɡnˈɛtɪk// mag·net·ic
  1. 1 physical magnetism (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    relating to or using the force of a magnet to pull metal objects.

    pertaining to, operating by, or exhibiting the properties of magnetism.

    Example

    The cabinet doors have a magnetic strip to keep them closed tightly.

    Example

    The researchers used a magnetic field to manipulate the iron particles within the liquid solution.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun.
    • magnetized
    • non magnetic
  2. 2 Earth's poles (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    relating to the Earth's magnetic poles rather than the map's North Pole.

    determined by or relating to the Earth's magnetic fields as opposed to geographic ones.

    Example

    The compass points to magnetic north, not the true North Pole.

    Example

    Navigators must account for the difference between magnetic north and true north when plotting long-distance courses.
Origin

From magnet + -ic.

Word family

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