field strength: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Scientific, Formal
Quick answer
What does “field strength” mean?
The magnitude of a field (especially electromagnetic or gravitational) at a particular point.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The magnitude of a field (especially electromagnetic or gravitational) at a particular point.
The intensity or power of any influence operating within a defined area or domain, often measured quantitatively; also used metaphorically to describe the potency or effectiveness of a force, argument, or presence in various contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or semantic differences. Spelling conventions follow standard UK/US rules (e.g., 'metre' vs. 'meter' in surrounding text, not in the term itself).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations.
Frequency
Equally common in both technical registers. Slightly more frequent in American English due to larger volume of engineering and physics literature.
Grammar
How to Use “field strength” in a Sentence
The field strength of [noun phrase] is [measurement].[Noun phrase] has a field strength of [measurement].We measured/increased/reduced the field strength.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “field strength” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The technician will field-strength-test the antenna array.
- We need to field-strength-map the entire site.
American English
- Engineers field-strength-tested the new transmitter.
- The team is field-strength-mapping the broadcast zone.
adverb
British English
- The signal was measured field-strength-wise.
- They assessed the area field-strength-carefully.
American English
- The device performs field-strength-accurately.
- He evaluated the setup field-strength-meticulously.
adjective
British English
- The field-strength measurement is critical.
- We reviewed the field-strength data.
American English
- The field-strength reading was off the charts.
- Check the field-strength gauge.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in telecommunications or tech sectors discussing network coverage: 'The field strength of our transmitter network ensures reliable service.'
Academic
Common in physics, engineering, and geoscience papers: 'The experiment required a precise calibration of the magnetic field strength.'
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used by hobbyists (e.g., amateur radio, metal detecting).
Technical
Core usage. Found in specifications, manuals, and research: 'The MRI scanner operates at a field strength of 3 Tesla.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “field strength”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “field strength”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “field strength”
- Using as a countable noun without pluralization when needed (e.g., 'different magnetic field strength' instead of '...strengths').
- Confusing 'field strength' with 'signal strength' (the latter is a subtype).
- Incorrect stress: placing primary stress on 'strength' instead of 'field'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a compound noun written as two separate words, not hyphenated.
Yes, but it's rare and usually metaphorical, e.g., 'The field strength of her argument convinced everyone.' This usage is advanced and stylistic.
The standard SI unit is the ampere per metre (A/m). However, magnetic flux density, measured in tesla (T), is often informally referred to as 'field strength' in contexts like MRI.
'Signal strength' typically refers to the power of a received communication signal (a type of electromagnetic field), often measured in dBm. 'Field strength' is a broader term for the intensity of any field (electric, magnetic, gravitational) at a point, measured in units like V/m or A/m.
The magnitude of a field (especially electromagnetic or gravitational) at a particular point.
Field strength is usually technical, scientific, formal in register.
Field strength: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfiːld strɛŋθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfild strɛŋkθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A show of strength (conceptually related, but not containing the phrase 'field strength')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a football FIELD. A STRONG player (strength) has a powerful influence on the game. 'Field strength' is the power or intensity of an influence (like magnetism) in its area.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFLUENCE IS A FORCE FIELD; STRENGTH IS INTENSITY. Arguments, personalities, or signals are conceptualized as having a 'field' whose 'strength' determines their reach and effect.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'field strength' LEAST likely to be used?