mæɡˈnetɪk adj. 1 a having
the properties of a
magnet. b producing, produced
by, or
acting by
magnetism. 2
capable of
being attracted by or acquiring the properties of a magnet. 3
very attractive or alluring (a magnetic personality). ømagnetic
compass = COMPASS 1. magnetic
disk see
DISC. magnetic
equator an
imaginary line,
near the equator, on
which a magnetic
needle has no
dip. magnetic
field a
region of
variable force
around magnets, magnetic materials, or current-carrying conductors. magnetic
inclination = DIP n. 8. magnetic mine a
submarine mine detonated by the
proximity of a magnetized
body such as
that of a
ship. magnetic
moment the
property of a magnet that interacts
with an
applied field to
give a
mechanical moment. magnetic needle a
piece of magnetized
steel used as an
indicator on the
dial of a compass
and in magnetic and
electrical apparatus,
esp. in
telegraphy. magnetic
north the
point indicated by the north
end of a compass needle. magnetic
pole 1
each of the points near the extremities of the axis of
rotation of the
earth or
another body
where a magnetic needle dips vertically. 2 each of the regions of an
artificial or
natural magnet,
from which the magnetic forces
appear to
originate. magnetic
storm a
disturbance of the earth's magnetic field caused by charged particles from the
sun etc. magnetic
tape a tape coated with magnetic
material for recording sound or pictures or for the
storage of
information. øømagnetically adv. [LL magneticus (as MAGNET)]