Electromagnet: meaning, definitions and examples

Add to dictionary

electromagnet

 

[ ɪˌlɛktrəʊˈmæg.nɪt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

physical device

An electromagnet is a type of magnet in which the magnetic field is produced by an electric current. Unlike permanent magnets, the magnetism of an electromagnet can be turned on and off by controlling the current. They are widely used in various devices such as electric motors, generators, and magnetic locks.

Synonyms

electric magnet, magnetic coil.

Examples of usage

  • The crane lifted the scrap metal using an electromagnet.
  • Electromagnets are essential components in MRI machines.
  • A simple electromagnet can be made using a wire and a battery.

Translations

Translations of the word "electromagnet" in other languages:

🇵🇹 eletromagneto

🇮🇳 इलेक्ट्रोमैग्नेट

🇩🇪 Elektromagnet

🇮🇩 elektromagnet

🇺🇦 електромагніт

🇵🇱 elektromagnet

🇯🇵 電磁石

🇫🇷 électroaimant

🇪🇸 electroimán

🇹🇷 elektromıknatıs

🇰🇷 전 electromagnet

🇸🇦 المغناطيس الكهربائي

🇨🇿 elektromagnet

🇸🇰 elektromagnet

🇨🇳 电磁铁

🇸🇮 elektromagnet

🇮🇸 rafmagn

🇰🇿 электромагнит

🇬🇪 ელექტრომაგნიტი

🇦🇿 elektromaqnit

🇲🇽 electroimán

Etymology

The word 'electromagnet' arises from the combination of two roots: 'electro-', which refers to electricity, and 'magnet', pertaining to magnetism. The term began to emerge in the early 19th century as scientists like Hans Christian Ørsted and Michael Faraday explored the relationship between electricity and magnetism. Ørsted's discovery of the deflection of a compass needle by an electric current set the stage for future experiments. Faraday's work on electromagnetic induction demonstrated how a changing magnetic field could generate an electric current, confirming the interlinkage of the two phenomena. By the mid-1800s, the practical applications of electromagnets became evident as they were used in telegraphs and electric motors, paving the way for modern electrical engineering and technology advancements.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,558, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.