dipole

noun

di·​pole ˈdī-ˌpōl 

1

a

: a pair of equal and opposite electric charges or magnetic poles of opposite sign separated especially by a small distance

b

: a body or system (such as a molecule) having such charges or poles

2

: a radio antenna consisting of two horizontal rods in line with each other with their ends slightly separated

dipolar

ˈdī-ˌpō-lər 

ˌdī-ˈpō-

adjective

Examples of dipole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These magnetic fields are tilted significantly, compared with their rotation axes, and are disorganized, with no dipole like the Earth. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2024

Earth's dipole field is created by its liquid outer iron core. —Jamie Carter, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024

Earth’s magnetic field is generated in its core, producing a clear north and south pole known as a dipole that roughly aligns with the axis of the planet. —Jonathan O’Callaghan, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024

Each 1-ton dipole is an 8-meter-long metal barrel, raised by a rod 3.5 meters off the ground. —Byeric Lusito, science.org, 14 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing dipole

• dipole moment

Kids Definition

dipole

noun

di·​pole ˈdī-ˌpōl 

: a pair of equal and opposite electric charges or magnetic poles of opposite sign separated especially by a small distance

Medical Definition

dipole

noun

di·​pole ˈdī-ˌpōl 

1

: a pair of equal and opposite electric charges or magnetic poles of opposite sign separated by a small distance

2

: a body or system (as a molecule) having such charges