diamagnetism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “diamagnetism” mean?
A property of a substance whereby it is repelled by a magnetic field, exhibiting no permanent magnetic moment.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A property of a substance whereby it is repelled by a magnetic field, exhibiting no permanent magnetic moment.
A fundamental form of magnetism, diamagnetism is present in all materials and is a weak, temperature-independent effect caused by the orbital motion of electrons. It is the dominant magnetic response in materials with no unpaired electrons, such as water, wood, and many metals like bismuth.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, spelling, or usage. The term is pronounced with a long 'i' sound (/ˌdaɪə-/) in both varieties.
Connotations
Exclusively scientific; carries no regional connotations.
Frequency
Exclusively used in scientific contexts with equal, low frequency in both UK and US academic and technical registers.
Grammar
How to Use “diamagnetism” in a Sentence
The [material] exhibits diamagnetism.Diamagnetism is observed in [material].The [effect] is a consequence of diamagnetism.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “diamagnetism” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- The substance reacted diamagnetically.
American English
- The plate was suspended diamagnetically in the field.
adjective
British English
- The sample was found to be diamagnetic.
American English
- Bismuth is a strongly diamagnetic material.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in physics, chemistry, and materials science lectures and textbooks to describe a fundamental magnetic property.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Central to discussions in condensed matter physics, materials engineering, and quantum mechanics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “diamagnetism”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “diamagnetism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “diamagnetism”
- Misspelling as 'diamagnetisim' or 'diamagnitism'.
- Confusing it with 'paramagnetism'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. All materials have some diamagnetic response. A 'non-magnetic' material like water is actually diamagnetic, but the effect is so weak it is not noticeable without sensitive equipment.
Yes. In certain materials like bismuth or pyrolytic graphite, and especially in superconductors (which exhibit perfect diamagnetism), the repulsive force is strong enough to cause visible levitation.
Diamagnetism is a general property. Superconductivity involves a complete expulsion of magnetic fields (the Meissner effect), which is an extreme, perfect form of diamagnetism occurring below a critical temperature.
No. A diamagnetic material is weakly repelled by a magnet. This is the opposite of a ferromagnetic material like iron, which is strongly attracted.
A property of a substance whereby it is repelled by a magnetic field, exhibiting no permanent magnetic moment.
Diamagnetism is usually technical / scientific in register.
Diamagnetism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdaɪəˈmæɡnətɪzəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdaɪəˈmæɡnətɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DIA' as in 'diagonal' or 'against'. DIAmagnetism works AGAINST a magnetic field, pushing it away.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MAGNETIC SHIELD: Diamagnetic materials act like a non-stick coating for magnetic fields, gently pushing the field lines away.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary cause of diamagnetism in a material?