coercivity: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “coercivity” mean?
The property of a magnetic material that resists demagnetization.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The property of a magnetic material that resists demagnetization; the intensity of the magnetic field needed to reduce the magnetization of a material to zero after it has been magnetized to saturation.
In a broader metaphorical sense, it can refer to the inherent resistance of a system, idea, or person to being changed or forced into a different state.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Purely technical with no regional connotative variation.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to engineering, physics, and advanced materials science contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “coercivity” in a Sentence
The coercivity of [MATERIAL] is [VALUE].[MATERIAL] exhibits high/low coercivity.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coercivity” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The coercive field strength was recorded.
American English
- The coercive field strength was recorded.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in physics, materials science, and electrical engineering papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in magnetism, data storage (hard drives), and permanent magnet design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coercivity”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coercivity”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coercivity”
- Using 'coercivity' to mean 'coercion' or forceful behaviour.
- Pronouncing it as /koʊˈɜːr.sɪv.ɪ.ti/ (stress on the second syllable).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, both derive from the Latin 'coercere' (to restrain, control). 'Coercivity' is the property of being resistant to coercive (demagnetizing) force.
It is critical in the design and manufacturing of electric motors, generators, hard disk drives, loudspeakers, and any device using permanent magnets.
Only in highly specialized academic metaphors, comparing social rigidity to magnetic resistance. This is extremely rare and not standard usage.
It is measured in amperes per metre (A/m) or oersteds (Oe) in the centimetre-gram-second system.
The property of a magnetic material that resists demagnetization.
Coercivity is usually technical / academic in register.
Coercivity: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkəʊ.ɜːˈsɪv.ɪ.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkoʊ.ɝːˈsɪv.ɪ.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COERCion officer trying to force a change. High coercivity means the material strongly resists being forced to change its magnetic state.
Conceptual Metaphor
INERTIA IS MAGNETIC COERCIVITY (resistance to change in state).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'coercivity' measure in a magnetic material?