permanent magnet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1technical / academic
Quick answer
What does “permanent magnet” mean?
A piece of magnetic material that retains its own persistent magnetic field without needing an external electric current.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A piece of magnetic material that retains its own persistent magnetic field without needing an external electric current.
An object that produces a constant magnetic field, typically made from magnetized hard ferromagnetic materials like iron, nickel, cobalt, or rare-earth alloys.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling follows local conventions for 'permanent' (/ˈpɜːmənənt/ vs /ˈpɝːmənənt/).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. Slight difference in pronunciation of 'permanent'.
Frequency
Similar frequency in technical and engineering contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “permanent magnet” in a Sentence
[permanent magnet] + [of + material][verb] + [with/using a permanent magnet][adjective] + permanent magnet + [noun]permanent magnet + [verb] + [object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “permanent magnet” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- To achieve higher efficiency, they decided to permanent magnet the rotor in the final design.
American English
- The new motor design is permanent magnet, not induction-based.
adjective
British English
- Permanent magnet motors are increasingly favoured for their efficiency.
American English
- The project requires a permanent magnet generator.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In procurement or manufacturing discussions: 'We need to source a cost-effective permanent magnet for the new motor design.'
Academic
In physics or engineering papers: 'The hysteresis loop characterises the energy loss in the permanent magnet.'
Everyday
In general explanation: 'A fridge magnet is a simple type of permanent magnet.'
Technical
In specifications: 'The rotor assembly uses an NdFeB permanent magnet with a remanence of 1.2 T.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “permanent magnet”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “permanent magnet”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “permanent magnet”
- Pronouncing 'permanent' with stress on the second syllable (per-MA-nent).
- Confusing 'permanent magnet' with 'magnet' in contexts where the distinction from an electromagnet is crucial.
- Using 'perpetual magnet' – a less common and slightly incorrect variant.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, through exposure to high temperatures (above its Curie point), strong opposing magnetic fields, physical damage, or over long periods of time.
Common types include Alnico (aluminium-nickel-cobalt), Ferrite (ceramic), Samarium-Cobalt (SmCo), and Neodymium (NdFeB) magnets.
They are used in electric motors, generators, hard disk drives, speakers, microphones, magnetic fasteners, MRI machines, and many consumer electronics.
It is a two-word compound noun (an open compound). It is not typically hyphenated ('permanent-magnet') except when used as a compound adjective before a noun (e.g., 'permanent-magnet motor').
A piece of magnetic material that retains its own persistent magnetic field without needing an external electric current.
Permanent magnet is usually technical / academic in register.
Permanent magnet: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɜːmənənt ˈmæɡnət/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɝːmənənt ˈmæɡnət/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(No common idioms for this specific technical term)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a **permanent** resident in a building – they stay there indefinitely. A **permanent magnet** 'resides' in its magnetic state indefinitely, unlike a temporary guest (electromagnet).
Conceptual Metaphor
A constant, unwavering source of attraction or influence (e.g., 'He was a permanent magnet for trouble').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary distinction between a permanent magnet and an electromagnet?