degauss

[ dee-gous ]
/ diˈgaʊs /

verb (used with object)

to demagnetize (a ship's hull, electrical equipment, etc.) by means of electric coils.
Compare deperm.

Origin of degauss

First recorded in 1935–40; de- + gauss

British Dictionary definitions for degauss

degauss
/ (diːˈɡaʊs, -ˈɡɔːs) /

verb (tr)

to neutralize the magnetic field of a ship's hull (as a protection against magnetic mines) using equipment producing an opposing magnetic field
another word for demagnetize

Scientific definitions for degauss

degauss
[ dē-gous ]

To neutralize or rebalance the magnetic field of a magnetized object, such as a computer monitor or the read/write head of a disk drive or tape recorder.
To erase information from a magnetic disk, tape, or other magnetic storage device.