paramagnet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “paramagnet” mean?
A material that is weakly attracted by a magnetic field and acquires induced magnetization in the direction of the applied field, losing this magnetization when the field is removed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A material that is weakly attracted by a magnetic field and acquires induced magnetization in the direction of the applied field, losing this magnetization when the field is removed.
In physics and materials science, a substance characterized by having unpaired electrons, resulting in a positive magnetic susceptibility. More broadly, can refer to the phenomenon of paramagnetism itself.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The term is identically used in international scientific literature.
Connotations
Purely technical, no regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside physics, chemistry, and materials science contexts. Frequency identical in both regions within those fields.
Grammar
How to Use “paramagnet” in a Sentence
[Substance] is a paramagnet.[Substance] behaves as/acts as a paramagnet.The paramagnet [exhibits property].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “paramagnet” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (No standard verb form)
American English
- (No standard verb form)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb form)
American English
- (No standard adverb form)
adjective
British English
- The paramagnetic properties were measured.
American English
- The sample showed paramagnetic behaviour.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Exclusively used in physics, chemistry, materials science, and engineering papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary domain. Used to classify materials based on their magnetic response.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “paramagnet”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “paramagnet”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “paramagnet”
- Misspelling as 'para-magnet' or 'paramagnate'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'It paramagnets').
- Confusing it with 'ferromagnet' or 'electromagnet'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A common magnet is typically a ferromagnet (like iron), which creates a strong, persistent magnetic field. A paramagnet is only weakly and temporarily magnetic when placed in an external field.
Yes. Molecular oxygen (O2) in the air is a common paramagnet. Many salts of transition metals (like copper sulphate) are also paramagnetic.
The direct opposite in terms of magnetic response is a diamagnet (e.g., bismuth, water), which is weakly repelled by a magnetic field. A ferromagnet (e.g., iron) is a much stronger, permanent type of magnet.
No, it is a very weak effect compared to ferromagnetism. Specialised instruments like a SQUID magnetometer or a Gouy balance are often needed to measure it.
A material that is weakly attracted by a magnetic field and acquires induced magnetization in the direction of the applied field, losing this magnetization when the field is removed.
Paramagnet is usually technical/scientific in register.
Paramagnet: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpærəˈmæɡnɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpɛrəˈmæɡnɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(None specific to this term)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PARAmedic who is only weakly attracted to a magnetic accident scene (PARAmagnet); they help a little when the field (emergency) is present, but leave when it's over.
Conceptual Metaphor
A loyal but faint follower: it aligns with a strong external influence (the magnetic field) but has no lasting commitment of its own.
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of a paramagnet?