meissner effect: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low (C2+ / Specialized)Highly technical, scientific
Quick answer
What does “meissner effect” mean?
The expulsion of a magnetic field from the interior of a superconductor as it transitions into the superconducting state.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The expulsion of a magnetic field from the interior of a superconductor as it transitions into the superconducting state.
A phenomenon in superconductivity where a material, upon cooling below its critical temperature, exhibits perfect diamagnetism, causing magnetic field lines to be ejected and allowing the material to levitate above a magnet. It is a fundamental property distinguishing a superconductor from a perfect conductor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling follows local conventions for related terms (e.g., 'behaviour' vs. 'behavior').
Connotations
Identical technical meaning. The eponym itself is invariant.
Frequency
Exclusively used in advanced physics contexts in both varieties, with identical frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “meissner effect” in a Sentence
The Meissner effect occurs when...The material exhibits the Meissner effect.One can demonstrate the Meissner effect by...This is a consequence of the Meissner effect.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “meissner effect” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The magnetic field is completely expelled, a process governed by the Meissner effect.
American English
- The field gets expelled via the Meissner effect.
adjective
British English
- The Meissner-effect levitation was stable.
American English
- We studied the Meissner-effect state.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Exclusively in advanced physics, materials science, and engineering papers and lectures.
Everyday
Never used, except in popular science contexts explaining superconductivity.
Technical
The primary context. Used in research, experimental reports, and theoretical discussions on superconductivity.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “meissner effect”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “meissner effect”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meissner effect”
- Misspelling as 'Meisner effect' or 'Meissener effect'.
- Confusing it with simple magnetic repulsion (it requires a phase transition to superconductivity).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'The field was meissnered' is non-standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Zero resistance is one property of a superconductor. The Meissner effect (perfect diamagnetism) is a separate, defining property. A perfect conductor would not necessarily exhibit the Meissner effect.
It was discovered by Walther Meissner and Robert Ochsenfeld in 1933.
Indirectly, yes. The most famous visual demonstration is the levitation of a superconductor above a magnet, which is a direct consequence of the Meissner effect.
Type-I superconductors do. Type-II superconductors allow magnetic flux to penetrate in quantized vortices in a 'mixed state', but still exhibit a partial Meissner effect up to a lower critical field.
The expulsion of a magnetic field from the interior of a superconductor as it transitions into the superconducting state.
Meissner effect is usually highly technical, scientific in register.
Meissner effect: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪsnər ɪˌfɛkt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪsnɚ əˌfɛkt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a technical term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a super-conductor saying 'Meissner my magnetic field!' as it pushes the field out when it gets super cold.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SCREEN OR SHIELD AGAINST MAGNETISM. The superconductor acts as an impermeable barrier to magnetic fields.
Practice
Quiz
What does the Meissner effect demonstrate about a superconductor?