magnetic north


noun

north as indicated by a magnetic compass, differing in most places from true north.

Origin of magnetic north

First recorded in 1805–15

British Dictionary definitions for magnetic north

magnetic north

noun

the direction in which a compass needle points, at an angle (the declination) from the direction of true (geographic) north

Scientific definitions for magnetic north

magnetic north

The direction toward which the north-seeking arrow of a compass points.♦ The magnetic north pole is the northern pole of the Earth's magnetic field and changes slightly in response to variations in the Earth's magnetism. The current magnetic north pole is located in the Arctic Islands of Canada. Compare geographic north.

Cultural definitions for magnetic north

magnetic north

The direction of the north magnetic pole.