diamagnet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “diamagnet” mean?
A material that is magnetized in the opposite direction to an externally applied magnetic field, causing it to be repelled.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A material that is magnetized in the opposite direction to an externally applied magnetic field, causing it to be repelled.
More broadly, any substance that demonstrates a weak, negative susceptibility to magnetism, meaning it creates a magnetic field opposed to an applied external field.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or semantic differences. Spelling follows standard patterns (e.g., materialise/materialize in related text).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare outside specialised contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “diamagnet” in a Sentence
[Material] is a diamagnet.The experiment confirmed [material] to be a diamagnet.Researchers classified the substance as a diamagnet.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “diamagnet” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The diamagnetic response of the sample was measured.
American English
- The material's diamagnetic properties were evident.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in physics, chemistry, and materials science lectures and papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would only appear in popular science contexts.
Technical
Core term in electromagnetism and materials science for classifying magnetic properties.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “diamagnet”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “diamagnet”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “diamagnet”
- Confusing 'diamagnet' with 'paramagnet' or thinking it has no magnetic interaction at all (it has a weak, repulsive one).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'The material diamagnets').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A non-magnetic material implies no significant interaction. A diamagnet actively creates an opposing magnetic field, resulting in weak repulsion.
Common examples include water, graphite (pencil lead), bismuth, copper, silver, gold, and most organic compounds, including human tissue.
Rarely, as the effect is very weak. However, in strong laboratory magnets, objects like graphite or certain plants can be visibly levitated.
The direct opposite in terms of magnetic response is a paramagnet, which is weakly attracted to a magnetic field. Ferromagnets (like iron) are strongly attracted.
A material that is magnetized in the opposite direction to an externally applied magnetic field, causing it to be repelled.
Diamagnet is usually technical/scientific in register.
Diamagnet: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdaɪəˌmæɡnət/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdaɪəˌmæɡnət/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'DIAmond' (a classic example of a diamagnetic material) and 'magnet'. A DIAmond is repelled by a MAGNET.
Conceptual Metaphor
MAGNETISM IS A FORCE FIELD; A DIAMAGNET IS A SHIELD (it creates an opposing field).
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of a diamagnet?