magnetic hysteresis
C2Technical/Scientific
Definition
Meaning
The lagging of magnetic induction behind the magnetizing force in a ferromagnetic material when the magnetic field is changed.
A property of ferromagnetic materials where magnetization depends not only on the current magnetic field but also on its history, resulting in energy loss during cyclic magnetization. More broadly, it can metaphorically describe any system where output depends on past inputs, not just current conditions.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Always used as a compound noun. The concept is central to electromagnetism and materials science. While 'hysteresis' alone can appear in economics, biology, etc., 'magnetic hysteresis' is domain-specific to physics and engineering.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling follows regional conventions: 'magnetisation' (UK) vs. 'magnetization' (US) in related texts.
Connotations
Identical technical meaning in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in general discourse but standard in relevant technical fields in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [material] exhibits/showed magnetic hysteresis.Magnetic hysteresis in [material] causes [effect].The [device] is designed to minimise magnetic hysteresis.A plot of B against H reveals the magnetic hysteresis loop.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used. Might appear in highly technical industries (e.g., motor manufacturing) in R&D contexts.
Academic
Core concept in physics, materials science, and electrical engineering courses and research.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only be used by someone with a technical background explaining a concept.
Technical
Standard term in electromagnetism, electrical engineering, materials science, and data storage technology (e.g., hard drives).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The material hysteretically magnetises.
- The core is hysteretically cycled.
American English
- The material hysteretically magnetizes.
- The core is hysteretically cycled.
adverb
British English
- The material responds hysteretically.
- The magnetisation changes hysteretically.
American English
- The material responds hysteretically.
- The magnetization changes hysteretically.
adjective
British English
- The hysteretic losses were calculated.
- A hysteretic magnetic response was observed.
American English
- The hysteretic losses were calculated.
- A hysteretic magnetic response was observed.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The engineer explained that magnetic hysteresis causes energy loss in transformers.
- This graph shows a magnetic hysteresis loop for the steel sample.
- The design aims to minimise magnetic hysteresis to improve the efficiency of the electric motor.
- Magnetic hysteresis is a key factor in selecting materials for permanent magnets and transformer cores.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a stubborn magnet with a memory: it doesn't want to change direction immediately when the magnetic field changes, it lags behind—like history ('hysteresis') influencing its present state.
Conceptual Metaphor
MAGNETIC HYSTERESIS IS A PATH-DEPENDENT JOURNEY (where where you end up depends not just on where you are now, but the path you took to get there).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'hysteresis' as 'гистерезис' in non-technical contexts, as it's a pure loanword with no everyday Russian equivalent. The compound term 'магнитный гистерезис' is correct but highly technical.
- Do not confuse with 'гистерія' (hysteria), which is unrelated.
Common Mistakes
- Mispronouncing 'hysteresis' as /haɪˈstɪər.iː.sɪs/ (like 'hysteria'); correct is /ˌhɪs.təˈriː.sɪs/.
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a hysteresis'); it's generally uncountable.
- Confusing 'magnetic hysteresis' with 'magnetic coercivity' (a related but specific property).
Practice
Quiz
What does a 'magnetic hysteresis loop' graphically represent?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the application. It is undesirable in transformer cores (causes energy loss) but essential for permanent magnets and magnetic data storage (provides stability).
It is a closed curve plotted on a B-H graph (magnetic flux density vs. magnetising field) that shows the path of magnetisation and demagnetisation of a material, visually representing the energy loss (area within the loop).
No, it is an intrinsic property of ferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic materials. However, it can be minimised by using materials with a narrow hysteresis loop (soft magnetic materials).
In the cores of transformers and inductors in power supplies, in the read/write heads of traditional hard disk drives, and in the design of electric motors and generators.