paramagnet

[ par-uh-mag-nit, par-uh-mag- ]
/ ˌpær əˈmæg nɪt, ˈpær əˌmæg- /

noun Physics.

a body or substance that, placed in a magnetic field, possesses magnetization in direct proportion to the field strength; a substance in which the magnetic moments of the atoms are not aligned.
Compare antiferromagnetic, diamagnetic, ferromagnetic.

Origin of paramagnet

1905–10; back formation from paramagnetic; see para-1, magnet

OTHER WORDS FROM paramagnet

par·a·mag·net·ism, noun par·a·mag·net·ic [par-uh-mag-net-ik] /ˌpær ə mægˈnɛt ɪk/, adjective

Words nearby paramagnet

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Example sentences from the Web for paramagnetism

British Dictionary definitions for paramagnetism

paramagnetism
/ (ˌpærəˈmæɡnɪˌtɪzəm) /

noun

physics the phenomenon exhibited by substances that have a relative permeability slightly greater than unity and a positive susceptibility. The effect is due to the alignment of unpaired spins of electrons in atoms of the material Compare diamagnetism, ferromagnetism

Derived forms of paramagnetism

paramagnetic (ˌpærəmæɡˈnɛtɪk), adjective

Scientific definitions for paramagnetism

paramagnetism
[ păr′ə-măg′nĭ-tĭz′əm ]

The property of being weakly attracted to either pole of a magnet. Paramagnetic materials, such as aluminum and platinum, become slightly magnetized when exposed to a magnetic field, but they lose their magnetism when the field is removed. When these materials are magnetized by a nearby magnet, the orientation of their north and sole poles results in their being attracted to the closest pole of the magnet. Compare diamagnetism ferromagnetism.