magnetic moment

noun

: a vector quantity that is a measure of the torque exerted on a magnetic system (such as a bar magnet or dipole) when placed in a magnetic field and that for a magnet is the product of the distance between its poles and the strength of either pole

Examples of magnetic moment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In order to store information, spintronic devices need materials that have a permanent magnetization, or magnetic moment. Pedram Khalili, IEEE Spectrum, 26 June 2015 Its value is determined mostly by the magnetic moment of the bare electron field; the largest changes arise from the electromagnetic field, and they can be calculated with astonishing precision. Luke Caldwell, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2024 On the one hand, the atoms inside iron germanium have magnetic moments that tend to want to align with their neighbors. IEEE Spectrum, 23 Dec. 2023 On the other hand, the structure of the crystal itself motivates the magnetic moments to rotate with respect to their neighbors. IEEE Spectrum, 23 Dec. 2023 See all Example Sentences for magnetic moment 

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of magnetic moment was in 1865

Dictionary Entries Near magnetic moment

Cite this Entry

“Magnetic moment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnetic%20moment. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

magnetic moment

noun
magnetic mo·​ment -ˈmō-mənt How to pronounce magnetic moment (audio)
: a vector quantity that is a measure of the torque exerted on a magnetic system (as a bar magnet or dipole) when placed in a magnetic field and that for a magnet is the product of the distance between its poles and the strength of either pole

More from Merriam-Webster on magnetic moment

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!