electromagnetism

noun

elec·​tro·​mag·​ne·​tism i-ˌlek-trō-ˈmag-nə-ˌti-zəm 

1

: magnetism developed by a current of electricity

2

a

: a fundamental physical force that is responsible for interactions between charged particles which occur because of their charge and for the emission and absorption of photons, that is about a hundredth the strength of the strong force, and that extends over infinite distances but is dominant over atomic and molecular distances

called also electromagnetic force

compare gravity sense 3a(2), strong force, weak force

b

: a branch of physical science that deals with the physical relations between electricity and magnetism

Examples of electromagnetism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Loading Loading 1865 Waves of Light James Clerk Maxwell publishes his theory of electromagnetism. —Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 30 Oct. 2024

But a conclusive graviton detection would prove that gravity comes in the form of quantum particles, just like electromagnetism and the other fundamental forces. —Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 30 Oct. 2024

Physicists rely on them to unify the fundamental forces of nature: At high energies, group theory can be used to show that electromagnetism and the forces that hold atomic nuclei together and cause radioactivity are all manifestations of a single underlying force. —Leila Sloman, WIRED, 6 Oct. 2024

The turning point came when Hobson and his business partner, Ian Hillier, created a real version of Captain America’s Shield that could be attracted to your arm from short distances using electromagnetism, which very quickly became their first major viral hit. —Jon Youshaei, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

electromagnetism

noun

elec·​tro·​mag·​ne·​tism i-ˌlek-trō-ˈmag-nə-ˌtiz-əm 

1

: magnetism developed by a current of electricity

2

: a natural force arising from interactions between charged particles

Medical Definition

electromagnetism

noun

elec·​tro·​mag·​ne·​tism i-ˌlek-trō-ˈmag-nə-ˌtiz-əm 

1

: magnetism developed by a current of electricity

2

: physics dealing with the relations between electricity and magnetism