dipole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “dipole” mean?
A pair of equal and oppositely charged or magnetised poles separated by a distance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A pair of equal and oppositely charged or magnetised poles separated by a distance.
Any system or molecule with separated positive and negative centres, such as an antenna or a polar molecule.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Purely technical, no cultural connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare in general language and equally common in relevant scientific/technical contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “dipole” in a Sentence
The [NOUN] has a significant dipole.A dipole is formed by [NOUN PHRASE].The [NOUN] acts as a dipole.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dipole” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The dipole interaction was calculated.
- A dipole antenna was mounted on the roof.
American English
- The dipole moment was measured.
- We studied dipole-induced forces.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Core term in physics and chemistry. Used in papers and textbooks to describe molecular polarity, antenna design, or magnetic properties.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be encountered in advanced popular science contexts.
Technical
Fundamental term in electrical engineering (antennas), physics (electromagnetism), chemistry (molecular structure), and geophysics.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dipole”
- Using 'dipole' to describe any simple pair of objects (must involve polarity/opposition).
- Misspelling as 'di-pole' or 'diepole'.
- Confusing 'dipole moment' (a vector quantity) with just having a dipole.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Overwhelmingly yes. Its core meaning is scientific (physics/chemistry), though it can be used metaphorically in other technical fields like climatology.
A dipole is the physical system with two poles. The dipole moment is a measurable vector quantity (strength and orientation) that characterizes that dipole.
No, 'dipole' is exclusively a noun. The related adjective is 'dipolar'.
A common bar magnet is a classic magnetic dipole. A TV or radio 'rabbit ears' antenna is an electric dipole antenna.
A pair of equal and oppositely charged or magnetised poles separated by a distance.
Dipole is usually technical/scientific in register.
Dipole: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdaɪ.pəʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdaɪ.poʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of DI-POLE: DI means two, POLE like the ends of a magnet. So, a dipole has TWO separated POLES.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TUG OF WAR (two opposing forces pulling in opposite directions, separated by a rope/space).
Practice
Quiz
In which field would you LEAST likely encounter the term 'dipole'?