MAGNETIC

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does magnetic mean? 

• MAGNETIC (adjective)
  The adjective MAGNETIC has 5 senses:

1. of or relating to or caused by magnetism

2. having the properties of a magnet; i.e. of attracting iron or steel

3. capable of being magnetized

4. determined by earth's magnetic fields

5. possessing an extraordinary ability to attract

  Familiarity information: MAGNETIC used as an adjective is common.

 Dictionary entry details 

• MAGNETIC (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Of or relating to or caused by magnetism

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Context example:

magnetic forces

Pertainym:

magnetism (attraction for iron; associated with electric currents as well as magnets; characterized by fields of force)

Derivation:

magnet ((physics) a device that attracts iron and produces a magnetic field)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Having the properties of a magnet; i.e. of attracting iron or steel

Synonyms:

magnetic; magnetised; magnetized

Context example:

the hard disk is covered with a thin coat of magnetic material

Similar:

attractable (capable of being magnetized or attracted by a magnet)

Antonym:

antimagnetic (impervious to the effects of a magnetic field; resistant to magnetization)

Derivation:

magnet ((physics) a device that attracts iron and produces a magnetic field)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Capable of being magnetized

Antonym:

nonmagnetic (not capable of being magnetized)

Derivation:

magnet ((physics) a device that attracts iron and produces a magnetic field)

Sense 4

Meaning:

Determined by earth's magnetic fields

Context example:

the needle of a magnetic compass points to the magnetic north pole

Antonym:

geographic (determined by geography)

Derivation:

magnet ((physics) a device that attracts iron and produces a magnetic field)

Sense 5

Meaning:

Possessing an extraordinary ability to attract

Synonyms:

charismatic; magnetic

Context example:

a magnetic personality

Similar:

attractive (pleasing to the eye or mind especially through beauty or charm)

Derivation:

magnet (a characteristic that provides pleasure and attracts)

 Context examples 

It may make tumor cells more sensitive to radiation therapy, improve tumor images using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and kill cancer cells.

(Motexafin gadolinium, NCI Dictionary)

An orally administered aqueous suspension of silicone-coated, superparamagnetic iron oxide used as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent.

(Ferumoxsil Oral Suspension, NCI Thesaurus)

A spectrometric method, based on measurement of electron spins and magnetic moments, for detecting and estimating free radicals in reactions and in biological systems.

(Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy, NCI Thesaurus)

Also called magnetic resonance imaging, NMRI, and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.

(MRI, NCI Dictionary)

It can measure and characterize the sun’s magnetic field in more detail than ever seen before and determine the causes of potentially harmful solar activity.

(Newest solar telescope produces first images, National Science Foundation)

Unlike graphene however, FePS3 is magnetic.

(‘Magnetic graphene’ switches between insulator and conductor, University of Cambridge)

Radiation that has both electric and magnetic fields and travels in waves.

(Electromagnetic radiation, NCI Dictionary)

A device designed to remove the magnetic properties of an object or material.

(Demagnetizer Device Component, NCI Thesaurus)

Problems due to excessive torque created by the application of magnetic fields.

(Device Magnetically Induced Torque Problem Evaluation Result, Food and Drug Administration)

A container designed to hold film or magnetic tape.

(Cassette Device Component, NCI Thesaurus)