English Reference
adjective

magnetic

adj.
US /mæɡˈnɛtɪk/ UK /mæɡnˈɛtɪk/ mag·net·ic

  1. 01 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    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. 02 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

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

Usage magnetic field · magnetic fields

The second is the "tangled magnetic field lines" in the Sun's atmosphere that constantly snap and then reconnect.

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026

But it’s possible to measure the size of the planet and its distance from the star it orbits, and make deductions about its atmosphere and temperature – and, more indirectly, about its magnetic field.

The Guardian· 11 Aug 2026

From magnet + -ic.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated