remanence: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/TechnicalTechnical/Scientific (Physics, Engineering), occasionally literary/figurative
Quick answer
What does “remanence” mean?
The residual magnetic induction left in a ferromagnetic material after an external magnetic field is removed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The residual magnetic induction left in a ferromagnetic material after an external magnetic field is removed.
The property of retaining magnetism; figuratively, a lingering trace, influence, or effect that persists after its source has gone.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in technical meaning. The figurative use is slightly more attested in British literary sources.
Connotations
In technical contexts, neutral. In figurative use, connotes a precise, measurable, and often unwanted persistence.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general discourse. Almost exclusively found in technical writing.
Grammar
How to Use “remanence” in a Sentence
The [material] has/showed a remanence of [value].The remanence [verb: persisted, decreased, was measured].a remanence from [source/era]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “remanence” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The core will remanentise if the field is strong enough.
- The material was remanenced at room temperature.
American English
- The core will remanentize if the field is strong enough.
- The sample was remanenced in the lab.
adverb
British English
- The magnetism persisted remanently.
- The signal was stored remanently on the medium.
American English
- The magnetism persisted remanently.
- The data was stored remanently on the medium.
adjective
British English
- The remanent field was surprisingly strong.
- They studied remanent magnetisation in the rocks.
American English
- The remanent field was surprisingly strong.
- They studied remanent magnetization in the rocks.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Core term in physics, materials science, geophysics (e.g., paleomagnetism).
Everyday
Extremely rare; would be used for deliberate, learned effect.
Technical
Primary context. Describes a key property in permanent magnets, magnetic recording, and transformer cores.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “remanence”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “remanence”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “remanence”
- Confusing with 'remembrance'.
- Using in general contexts where 'legacy', 'aftermath', or 'influence' is better.
- Misspelling as 'remanance'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are synonyms, though 'remanence' is more common in technical literature.
In strict technical terms, no. However, it is occasionally used figuratively in literary or academic prose to describe the lingering presence of an idea, emotion, or cultural practice with a nuance of physical persistence.
Coercivity. They are the two key parameters on a hysteresis loop. High remanence means strong leftover magnetism; high coercivity means resistance to being demagnetized.
No. It is a specialist term. Even many highly educated native speakers outside physics/engineering may not know it or may confuse it with 'remembrance'.
The residual magnetic induction left in a ferromagnetic material after an external magnetic field is removed.
Remanence is usually technical/scientific (physics, engineering), occasionally literary/figurative in register.
Remanence: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɛmənəns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɛmənəns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None standard. Potential figurative: 'the remanence of empire', 'emotional remanence'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a REmanent MAGnetism presENCE staying behind.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEMORY IS MAGNETIC REMANENCE (e.g., 'The remanence of his words stayed with her.').
Practice
Quiz
In a figurative sense, 'remanence' most closely implies: