Magnet Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐งฒ
magnet
[หmรฆษก.nษt ]
Definitions
attracts metals
A magnet is an object that produces a magnetic field which attracts certain metals such as iron, nickel, and cobalt. Magnets have two poles, a north pole and a south pole, which attract or repel each other.
Synonyms
attractor, lodestone, magnetic.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| magnet |
Commonly used to describe a physical object that attracts metals or an entity that draws people or things towards it metaphorically.
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| magnetic |
Used to describe the properties of a magnet or can be used metaphorically to describe a person or thing that is very attractive or charismatic.
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| attractor |
Used in a more formal or specialized context, often in physics or mathematics to describe something that draws other objects towards itself.
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| lodestone |
Used in historical or literary contexts, often referring to a naturally occurring magnetic rock. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that attracts strongly.
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Examples of usage
- The magnet on the fridge holds up my shopping list.
- The compass needle points towards the magnet's north pole.
person or thing with strong attraction
Informally, a magnet can refer to a person or thing that has a strong attraction or drawing power, similar to the magnetic force of a physical magnet.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| magnet |
Same as the first entry. Used to describe an object with magnetic properties or something that attracts a lot of attention or interest.
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| attraction |
Used to describe a force that pulls things together, often in both a physical and emotional sense. Commonly used in discussing relationships, tourism, and entertainment.
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| charisma |
Often used to describe a person's ability to attract, charm, and influence others. It typically refers to a natural, personal appeal that makes someone particularly likable or inspirational.
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| draw |
This word is often used to describe the act of pulling or attracting something or someone. It can also refer to an appeal or attraction that makes people come to a place or event.
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Examples of usage
- She was a magnet for attention wherever she went.
- The new restaurant became a magnet for foodies in the city.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Magnets create a magnetic field, which is an invisible force that can attract certain materials, like iron and nickel.
- There are two types of magnets: permanent magnets, which stay magnetized, and temporary magnets, which only act as magnets when in a magnetic field.
History
- The first known magnets, called lodestones, were discovered over 2,000 years ago and were used in early navigational devices.
- In the Middle Ages, magnets were crucial in navigation, helping sailors find their way across the seas.
Pop Culture
- Magnets have made appearances in movies and television shows, often depicted as magical or mysterious objects that can do incredible things.
- In the comic book world, characters like Magneto from X-Men are known for their ability to manipulate metal objects using magnetic powers.
Technology
- Magnets are used in everyday devices like refrigerators, speakers, and computer hard drives, illustrating their importance in modern technology.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in medicine uses powerful magnets to create images of the inside of the body, aiding in health diagnostics.
Origin of 'magnet'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'magnet' comes from the Greek word 'magnฤtes', which means 'Magnesian stone', named after a place in ancient Greece.
- The term evolved through Latin 'magnes' and French 'aimant' before settling into the English language in the late 14th century.
The word 'magnet' comes from the ancient Greek word 'magnฤs lithos', meaning 'Magnesian stone'. The ancient Greeks discovered that certain rocks, later named lodestones, had the property of attracting iron. This phenomenon led to the development of the concept of magnets as we know them today.