Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Magnetic?

\Mag*net"ic\, Magnetical \Mag*net"ic*al\, a. [L. magneticus: cf. F. magn['e]tique.] 1. Pertaining to the magnet; possessing the properties of the magnet, or corresponding properties; as, a magnetic bar of iron; a magnetic needle. 2. Of or pertaining to, or characterized by, the earth's magnetism; as, the magnetic north; the magnetic meridian. 3. Capable of becoming a magnet; susceptible to magnetism; as, the magnetic metals. 4. Endowed with extraordinary personal power to excite the feelings and to win the affections; attractive; inducing attachment. She that had all magnetic force alone. --Donne. 5. Having, susceptible to, or induced by, animal magnetism, so called; as, a magnetic sleep. See {Magnetism}. {Magnetic amplitude}, {attraction}, {dip}, {induction}, etc. See under {Amplitude}, {Attraction}, etc. {Magnetic battery}, a combination of bar or horseshoe magnets with the like poles adjacent, so as to act together with great power. {Magnetic compensator}, a contrivance connected with a ship's compass for compensating or neutralizing the effect of the iron of the ship upon the needle. {Magnetic curves}, curves indicating lines of magnetic force, as in the arrangement of iron filings between the poles of a powerful magnet. {Magnetic elements}. (a) (Chem. Physics) Those elements, as iron, nickel, cobalt, chromium, manganese, etc., which are capable or becoming magnetic. (b) (Physics) In respect to terrestrial magnetism, the declination, inclination, and intensity. (c) See under {Element}. {Magnetic equator}, the line around the equatorial parts of the earth at which there is no dip, the dipping needle being horizontal. {Magnetic field}, or {Field of magnetic force}, any space through which magnet exerts its influence. {Magnetic fluid}, the hypothetical fluid whose existence was formerly assumed in the explanations of the phenomena of magnetism. {Magnetic iron}, or {Magnetic iron ore}. (Min.) Same as {Magnetite}. {Magnetic needle}, a slender bar of steel, magnetized and suspended at its center on a sharp-pointed pivot, or by a delicate fiber, so that it may take freely the direction of the magnetic meridian. It constitutes the essential part of a compass, such as the mariner's and the surveyor's. {Magnetic poles}, the two points in the opposite polar regions of the earth at which the direction of the dipping needle is vertical. {Magnetic pyrites}. See {Pyrrhotite}. {Magnetic storm} (Terrestrial Physics), a disturbance of the earth's magnetic force characterized by great and sudden changes. {Magnetic telegraph}, a telegraph acting by means of a magnet. See {Telegraph}.
\Mag*net"ic\, n. 1. A magnet. [Obs.] As the magnetic hardest iron draws. --Milton. 2. Any metal, as iron, nickel, cobalt, etc., which may receive, by any means, the properties of the loadstone, and which then, when suspended, fixes itself in the direction of a magnetic meridian.