polarity

noun

po·​lar·​i·​ty pō-ˈler-ə-tē 

pə-,

-ˈla-rə-

plural polarities

1

: the quality or condition inherent in a body that exhibits opposite properties or powers in opposite parts or directions or that exhibits contrasted properties or powers in contrasted parts or directions : the condition of having poles

2

: attraction toward a particular object or in a specific direction

3

: the particular state either positive or negative with reference to the two poles or to electrification

4

a

: diametrical opposition

b

: an instance of such opposition

Synonyms

• opposition
• oppositeness

Examples of polarity in a Sentence

the polarity of the candidates' views on the issue means that the voters have a clear choice to make

Recent Examples on the Web

In fact, the Solar Orbiter’s high-latitude observations have already shown that the magnetic field at the Sun’s south pole is currently showing north and south polarity at the same time — a messy combination that occurs as the magnetic field flips, at the time of the Sun’s solar maximum. —Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 12 June 2025

Once that happens, a single polarity should slowly build up over time at the poles as the sun heads toward its quiet solar minimum phase, according to ESA. —Denise Chow, NBC news, 11 June 2025

Following this exchange of poles, the fields at the north and south poles will maintain an orderly single polarity during solar minimum until solar maximum during the next 11-year cycle. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 11 June 2025

Despite its cyclical nature, scientists still struggle to predict the exact timing and power of each solar maximum and the magnetic flip, after which the poles should slowly regain their distinct polarities before the process starts all over again. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing polarity

• polarity therapy

Rhymes for polarity

• alterity
• asperity
• austerity
• celerity
• dexterity
• disparity
• hilarity
• molarity
• planarity
• posterity
• prosperity
• severity

Kids Definition

polarity

noun

po·​lar·​i·​ty pō-ˈlar-ət-ē 

pə-

plural polarities

1

: the condition of having poles and especially magnetic or electrical poles

2

: attraction toward a particular object or in a specific direction

Medical Definition

polarity

noun

po·​lar·​i·​ty pō-ˈlar-ət-ē, pə- 

plural polarities

1

: the quality or condition inherent in a body that exhibits contrasting properties or powers in contrasting parts or directions

2

: attraction toward a particular object or in a specific direction

3

: the particular state either positive or negative with reference to the two poles or to electrification