electromagnet

noun

elec·​tro·​mag·​net i-ˌlek-trō-ˈmag-nət How to pronounce electromagnet (audio)
: a core of magnetic material (such as iron) surrounded by a coil of wire through which an electric current is passed to magnetize the core

Examples of electromagnet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The kiosk then uses a winch to hoist the character onto a platform, where electromagnets help stabilize its feet. IEEE Spectrum, 11 Feb. 2024 Sitars made from golf clubs, pianos generating otherworldly tones from electromagnets, and infinitely customizable miniature synthesizers—all have taken home prizes at Georgia Tech’s Guthman Musical Instrument Competition. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Jan. 2024 Another common theme is using electromagnets to generate sound, as seen in 2024 finalist Nicola Privato’s Thales sensors. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 18 Jan. 2024 Its initial jolt powers a series of electromagnets at either end of Polaris that form and accelerate clouds of plasma towards their common center. IEEE Spectrum, 29 June 2023 He is held captive by the terrorist group Ten Rings and eventually escapes in a suit of powered armor, kept alive by an electromagnet in his chest. Jacqueline Weiss, Peoplemag, 10 Nov. 2023 Melt in the core consisting of swirling iron and nickel generates an electric current, which in turn powers a planet-sized electromagnet. Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Oct. 2023 Watch Iron Man on Disney+ Iron Man 2 Tony Stark is slowly being poisoned by the palladium core of the electromagnet keeping him alive, and he’s further stressed by the pressure to share his suits with the government and military. Jacqueline Weiss, Peoplemag, 10 Nov. 2023 The body housed an onboard accelerometer to measure impact deceleration as well as a ferromagnetic ball so that the impactor could be dropped from varying heights via an electromagnet. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 6 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'electromagnet.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of electromagnet was in 1821

Dictionary Entries Near electromagnet

Cite this Entry

“Electromagnet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electromagnet. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

electromagnet

noun
elec·​tro·​mag·​net i-ˌlek-trō-ˈmag-nət How to pronounce electromagnet (audio)
: a core of magnetic material (as soft iron) surrounded by a coil of wire through which an electric current is passed to magnetize the core

Medical Definition

electromagnet

noun
elec·​tro·​mag·​net i-ˌlek-trō-ˈmag-nət How to pronounce electromagnet (audio)
: a core of magnetic material surrounded by a coil of wire through which an electric current is passed to magnetize the core

More from Merriam-Webster on electromagnet

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