Found 1 items, similar to natural magnet.
English → English (gcide)
Definition: natural magnet
Magnet
\Mag"net\ (m[a^]g"n[e^]t), n. [OE. magnete, OF. magnete,
L. magnes, -etis, Gr. Magnh^tis li`qos a magnet, metal that
looked like silver, prop., Magnesian stone, fr. Gr.
Magnhsi`a, a country in Thessaly. Cf.
Magnesia,
Manganese.]
1. The loadstone; a species of iron ore (the ferrosoferric or
magnetic ore,
Fe3O4) which has the property of
attracting iron and some of its ores, and, when freely
suspended, of pointing to the poles; -- called also
natural magnet.
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Dinocrates began to make the arched roof of the
temple of Arsino["e] all of magnet, or this
loadstone. --Holland.
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Two magnets, heaven and earth, allure to bliss,
The larger loadstone that, the nearer this.
--Dryden.
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2. (Physics) A bar or mass of steel or iron to which the
peculiar properties of the loadstone have been imparted;
-- called, in distinction from the loadstone, an
artificial magnet.
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Note: An artificial magnet, produced by the action of an
electrical current, is called an
electro-magnet.
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Field magnet (Physics & Elec.), a magnet used for producing
and maintaining a magnetic field; -- used especially of
the stationary or exciting magnet of a dynamo or
electromotor in distinction from that of the moving
portion or armature.
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