Magnetism: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word derives from the Greek word 'magnetis lithos', meaning 'Magnesian stone', named after a region in ancient Greece where magnets were found.
• In ancient times, people believed that lodestone (a naturally magnetized piece of the mineral magnetite) possessed magical properties.

Science

• Magnetism is one aspect of electromagnetism, which combines electric and magnetic forces, fundamental to many technologies we use today.
• The Earth itself is a giant magnet, with a magnetic field that protects us from solar winds and cosmic rays.
• Every material has a magnetic property, but only materials like iron, nickel, and cobalt are considered ferromagnetic, meaning they are strongly attracted to magnets.

Pop Culture

• Magnetism has inspired various themes in movies, such as 'The Prestige', where a magician uses magnetic principles for illusions.
• Comics often portray characters with magnetic powers, like Marvel’s Magneto, who can manipulate metal and control magnetic fields.

History

• In the 12th century, magnetism was used in navigation through compasses, revolutionizing travel and exploration.
• The discovery of electromagnetism in the 19th century by scientists like James Clerk Maxwell laid the groundwork for modern physics.

Technology

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique that uses powerful magnets to create detailed images of organs and tissues.
• Data storage devices, like hard drives, utilize magnetic materials to store information in binary form, crucial for digital technology.

At position #12,568, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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