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Comprehensive
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magnetic compass an instrument that shows direction relative to the earth's magnetic field, usu. by means of a magnetic needle mounted on a pivot.
magnetic equator an imaginary line circling the earth near the equator, composed of points where a magnetic needle does not dip because the lines of magnetic force parallel the earth's surface.
magnetic field a region of space in which a magnetic force occurs, esp. as a result of electrical current or the motions of charged particles such as electrons.
magnetic flux the total number of lines of induction moving through a specific area in a magnetic field.
magnetic mine a marine mine designed to explode when its magnetic needle responds to the mass of a nearby ship.
magnetic moment the ratio that expresses the strength of a particular source of magnetic field. [2 definitions]
magnetic needle a thin magnetized bar of steel situated within an instrument, such as a compass, so that it indicates the direction of the earth's magnetic poles.
magnetic north the northern direction indicated by a magnetic needle, in line with the earth's magnetic pole but usu. not true north.
magnetic pickup a phonograph pickup in which vibrations of the stylus are received by a coil in a magnetic field and thus converted to electrical current.
magnetic pole either of the apparent poles of a permanent magnet, at which the lines of magnetic force seem to converge. [2 definitions]
magnetic recording the process or product of recording a series of electrical signals onto a magnetizable surface, esp. used for audio, visual, and computer data.
magnetic resonance imaging a non-invasive medical imaging technology using radio waves and powerful magnetic fields to make the interior of the human body visible in three dimensions and in real time.(abbrev.: MRI)
magnetics (used with a sing. verb) the branch of physics concerned with magnets and magnetism.
magnetic storm a temporary widespread disturbance of the earth's magnetic field, caused by unusual solar activity.
magnetic tape a plastic tape coated with magnetic iron oxide, used to store recorded material.
magnetic wire a thin wire made of a ferromagnetic alloy, used to store recorded material.
magnetism the qualities and properties associated with magnets; ability to attract. [3 definitions]
magnetite a black, naturally occurring oxide of iron that is attracted to magnets and is important commercially as a source of iron.
magnetize to cause to become a magnet. [2 definitions]
magneto a device for producing an electric current, consisting of a coil of wire that rotates within the force field of a permanent magnet.
magnetoelectric of, indicating, or relating to electricity produced by magnets or magnetic fields.