magnetostriction

[ mag-nee-toh-strik-shuh n ]
/ mægˌni toʊˈstrɪk ʃən /

noun Physics.

a change in dimensions exhibited by ferromagnetic materials when subjected to a magnetic field.

Origin of magnetostriction

First recorded in 1895–1900; magneto- + (con)striction

OTHER WORDS FROM magnetostriction

mag·ne·to·stric·tive [mag-nee-tuh-strik-tiv] /mægˌni təˈstrɪk tɪv/, adjective

Words nearby magnetostriction

magnetoresistance, magnetorheology, magnetosheath, magnetosphere, magnetostatics, magnetostriction, magnetotail, magnetotaxis, magnetothermoelectricity, magnetron, magni-

British Dictionary definitions for magnetostriction

magnetostriction
/ (mæɡˌniːtəʊˈstrɪkʃən) /

noun

a change in dimensions of a ferromagnetic material that is subjected to a magnetic field

Derived forms of magnetostriction

magnetostrictive, adjective

Word Origin for magnetostriction

C19: from magneto- + constriction

Scientific definitions for magnetostriction

magnetostriction
[ măg-nē′tō-strĭk′shən ]

The change in shape and density of a substance, especially a ferromagnetic substance, when exposed to a magnetic field. The change depends on the direction and strength of the magnetic field. Rapid, alternating magnetostriction causes the iron cores of household transformers, which are subject to a changing magnetic field, to hum or buzz.