# maxwell

/ˈmækˌswɛɫ/ (US) · /mˈækswɛl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/maxwell
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the physicist

noun · CEFR B2

James Clerk Maxwell, a famous Scottish scientist who discovered how light, electricity, and magnetism work together.

For teachers: refers to James Clerk Maxwell (1831–1879), the Scottish physicist responsible for the classical theory of electromagnetic radiation.

- In physics class, we studied Maxwell's equations for electromagnetism.
- Maxwell's synthesis of electricity, magnetism, and light remains one of the most significant achievements in nineteenth-century theoretical physics.

### 2. unit of magnetic flux

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a very small unit used to measure magnetism in a specific scientific system.

For teachers: the centimetre-gram-second (CGS) unit of magnetic flux, equivalent to one line of induction or 10⁻⁸ webers.

- The old textbook measured the magnetic field strength in maxwells.
- While modern researchers use the weber, historical laboratory notes often record magnetic flux in maxwells, requiring a conversion factor of 10⁻⁸.

Usage: The term is largely superseded by the 'weber' in the International System of Units (SI).

### 3. a person's name

noun · CEFR A1

a common first name for men or a last name.

For teachers: a masculine given name or a habitational surname of Scottish origin.

- Maxwell invited us to his house for dinner on Saturday.
- The surname Maxwell is derived from a location near Melrose in Scotland, originally meaning 'Maccas's spring'.

## Examples

- The scientist measured the magnetic flux in maxwells.
- While modern researchers typically use the weber, older physics textbooks often express magnetic flux in maxwells.
- The transition from the CGS system to the International System of Units necessitated the conversion of measurements from maxwells to webers to ensure global scientific consistency.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.