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magnetic north
noun
: the northerly direction in the earth's magnetic field indicated by the north-seeking pole of a compass needle
Examples of magnetic north in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Curiosities Expand your knowledge with these intriguing reads: — Molten metals in Earth’s core generate a constantly moving magnetic field, which means the magnetic north pole isn’t fixed.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 26 Jan. 2025
Instead, magnetic north is the changing location where the planet’s magnetic field lines converge.
—Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Jan. 2025
Amidst the constant changes in Earth’s magnetic field, the most notable one is the drifting of the magnetic north pole.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 26 Dec. 2024
As a result, the magnetic north pole continues to coast toward Siberia.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 26 Dec. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1812, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near magnetic north
Cite this Entry
“Magnetic north.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnetic%20north. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
magnetic north
noun
: the northerly direction in the earth's magnetic field indicated by the north-seeking pole of a compass needle
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