remanent magnetism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “remanent magnetism” mean?
The magnetism that remains in a material after the magnetizing field is removed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The magnetism that remains in a material after the magnetizing field is removed.
Also known as 'remanence' or 'retentivity,' this property is crucial in creating permanent magnets and is used in data storage, geological research (paleomagnetism), and engineering applications.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. 'Remanent magnetism' is the standard term in both varieties.
Connotations
Purely technical and neutral.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language, used almost exclusively in academic and technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “remanent magnetism” in a Sentence
The N exhibits remanent magnetism.The remanent magnetism of the N was measured.to measure the remanent magnetism in NVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “remanent magnetism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The rock was found to be remanently magnetised after the field was removed.
- The material has remanently magnetised due to its history.
American English
- The material became remanently magnetized after exposure.
- The core was remanently magnetized by the ancient field.
adverb
British English
- This alloy magnetises remanently with great efficiency.
- The particles are aligned remanently.
American English
- The material magnetizes remanently and stays magnetized.
- The domains are fixed remanently in the ferrite.
adjective
British English
- The remanent magnetic state was stable for millennia.
- They studied the rock's remanent magnetic properties.
American English
- The remanent magnetic signal was very weak.
- A strong remanent magnetic field was detected.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly unlikely. Might appear in technical reports for industries producing magnets or hard drives.
Academic
Common in physics, geology (paleomagnetism), materials science, and engineering papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core terminology in electromagnetism, paleomagnetism, and data storage technology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “remanent magnetism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “remanent magnetism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “remanent magnetism”
- Incorrect: 'remainant magnetism' (misspelling).
- Incorrect: using as a countable noun (e.g., 'a remanent magnetism'). It is non-count.
- Incorrect: confusing 'remanent' (adj.) with 'remnant' (noun/adj.). While related, 'remanent' is specifically technical.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In practice, they are often used interchangeably, but technically 'remanent magnetism' is the specific property of retaining magnetization, while a 'permanent magnet' is an object that utilizes this property.
Stress on the first syllable: REM-uh-nunt. It sounds like 'remnant' but with a clearer 'uh' sound in the middle.
Yes, by applying a strong, reversing magnetic field (demagnetization) or by heating the material above its specific Curie temperature.
It provides a fossil record of the direction and strength of Earth's magnetic field at the time a rock formed. This is crucial for plate tectonics theory and dating geological events.
The magnetism that remains in a material after the magnetizing field is removed.
Remanent magnetism is usually technical/scientific in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The rock holds a memory of the past through its remanent magnetism.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of REmanent as what RE-mains (remains) after the magnetic field is gone. A magnetic RE-sidue.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEMORY (e.g., Rocks have a magnetic memory of Earth's past field).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary practical application of remanent magnetism most people encounter daily?