Paramagnetisms

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of magnetism exhibited by materials that are attracted to a magnetic field without retaining magnetization once the field is removed
2. A phenomenon in which certain materials, upon exposure to a magnetic field, induce magnetization in the same direction but do not remain magnetized when the field ceases
3. Characterized by the presence of unpaired electrons that contribute to the weak attraction to external magnetic fields while lacking permanent magnetic properties

Etymology: "Paramagnetisms" is the plural of "paramagnetism," used when discussing distinct instances or kinds of the property. The base noun was coined by Michael Faraday, who needed a name for substances that are weakly drawn into a magnetic field, and he built it from the Greek "para," meaning "beside" or "alongside," attached to magnetism. Magnetism itself traces to the Greek "magnes," traditionally linked to Magnesia, a region in Asia Minor whose lodestone was known in antiquity. The origin of "magnes" is debated, so the link to Magnesia remains a likely rather than certain explanation.

Synonyms: paramagnetism

Antonyms: diamagnetism