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

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

The powerful new magnet will aid research efforts into a variety of technological fields and even help investigate the physics of electromagnetism. —Michael Irving, New Atlas, 25 Sep. 2024

This duality reflects the unified nature of electromagnetism, as revealed by the Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell in a handful of equations in the 1800s. —Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 25 Sep. 2024

The system could improve devices that use magnets, as well as enable a range of new experiments that probe electromagnetism. —Michael Irving, New Atlas, 25 Sep. 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