curie point: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowHighly Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “curie point” mean?
The temperature above which a ferromagnetic material loses its permanent magnetic properties.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The temperature above which a ferromagnetic material loses its permanent magnetic properties.
In broader scientific contexts, it can refer to the critical temperature for any material undergoing a phase transition that alters its magnetic order (e.g., from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic). It is a key parameter in materials science, geology (studying rock magnetism), and engineering (designing magnetic storage).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling remains the same. The term 'Curie temperature' is equally common in both variants.
Connotations
Purely technical, with strong associations to advanced physics and engineering.
Frequency
Extremely low in general discourse, identical and standard in relevant technical fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “curie point” in a Sentence
The [MATERIAL] has a Curie point of [NUMBER] °C.[TEMPERATURE] is above/below the Curie point for [MATERIAL].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Core term in relevant physics, materials science, and geophysics papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Essential term when discussing the magnetic properties of materials, design of transformers, or paleomagnetism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “curie point”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “curie point”
- Incorrectly referring to it as the temperature where a material becomes magnetic (it's where it *loses* permanent magnetism).
- Misspelling as 'Curry point'.
- Using it for non-magnetic phase transitions (e.g., melting point).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, each ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material has its own specific Curie point. For example, iron's Curie point is about 770°C, while that of nickel is about 358°C.
It is named after Pierre Curie (1859–1906), the French physicist who, with his wife Marie, conducted pioneering research on magnetism and radioactivity. He discovered the law describing the loss of magnetism at high temperatures.
Yes, it can be altered by alloying the material with other elements, applying pressure, or changing its microstructure. This is a key area of research in materials engineering.
Indirectly, yes. The concept is crucial in the design of many appliances containing transformers, electric motors, and magnetic sensors, ensuring they don't overheat and lose magnetic efficiency.
The temperature above which a ferromagnetic material loses its permanent magnetic properties.
Curie point is usually highly technical/scientific in register.
Curie point: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkjʊə.ri ˌpɔɪnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkjʊr.i ˌpɔɪnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of Madame Curie, famous for her work on radioactivity (and magnetism by marriage to Pierre). The 'point' is the temperature where a material's 'magnetic personality' (ferromagnetism) disappears, just as a substance changes state at a boiling point.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MAGNETIC PERSONALITY THAT FADES WITH HEAT. A threshold or tipping point where an intrinsic property is lost.
Practice
Quiz
What happens to a ferromagnetic material when it is cooled from above to below its Curie point?