paramagnetism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “paramagnetism” mean?
A weak form of magnetism that arises from the alignment of electron spins and is only present when an external magnetic field is applied.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A weak form of magnetism that arises from the alignment of electron spins and is only present when an external magnetic field is applied.
In physics and materials science, it describes the property of certain materials that are attracted to an externally applied magnetic field, resulting in a positive magnetic susceptibility. The effect is typically much weaker than ferromagnetism and disappears when the external field is removed.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
There are no significant lexical or spelling differences. Usage is identical in scientific contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Purely technical and neutral.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside of advanced academic or technical discourse. Frequency is identical in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “paramagnetism” in a Sentence
The [SUBSTANCE] exhibits paramagnetism.Paramagnetism in [MATERIAL] is caused by...The study focused on the paramagnetism of...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “paramagnetism” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The paramagnetic properties of the sample were quantified.
- Oxygen is a well-known paramagnetic gas.
American English
- They observed paramagnetic behavior in the compound.
- The material's paramagnetic response was linear.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used, except perhaps in highly technical investment reports on materials companies.
Academic
The primary context. Used in physics, chemistry, materials science, and engineering papers, theses, and textbooks.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to be encountered or used.
Technical
The standard context. Used in research, lab reports, and technical specifications of materials.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “paramagnetism”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “paramagnetism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “paramagnetism”
- Misspelling as 'paramagnitism' or 'para-magnetism'.
- Confusing it with the much stronger and permanent 'ferromagnetism'.
- Using it as a general synonym for 'magnetism'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In everyday language, 'magnetic' usually refers to ferromagnetism (like in a fridge magnet). Paramagnetism is a much weaker, temporary form of attraction that requires an external magnetic field to exist.
Liquid oxygen is a classic example. It is attracted to a strong magnet. Aluminium and platinum are also paramagnetic metals.
Paramagnetic materials are weakly *attracted* to a magnetic field. Diamagnetic materials are weakly *repelled* by a magnetic field. All materials have a diamagnetic component, but it is often masked by stronger para- or ferromagnetism.
It is a crucial tool for understanding the electronic structure of atoms and molecules. By measuring paramagnetic susceptibility, scientists can determine the number of unpaired electrons, which informs research in chemistry, quantum physics, and materials development.
A weak form of magnetism that arises from the alignment of electron spins and is only present when an external magnetic field is applied.
Paramagnetism is usually formal / technical in register.
Paramagnetism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpærəˈmæɡnɪtɪzəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpɛrəˈmæɡnɪˌtɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'PARAmagnetism is PAIR-allel magnetism' – the electron spins align *with* the external field, but only temporarily.
Conceptual Metaphor
NOT APPLICABLE. The term is a precise scientific concept not based on everyday metaphorical mapping.
Practice
Quiz
Paramagnetism is primarily associated with: