magnetic north

noun

1. north as indicated by a magnetic compass, differing in most places from true north.

magnetic north

noun

1. the direction in which a compass needle points, at an angle (the declination) from the direction of true (geographic) north

magnetic north

1. The direction toward which the north-seeking arrow of a compass points.
2. ◆ The magnetic north pole is the northern pole of the Earth's magnetic field and changes slightly in response to variations in the Earth's magnetism. The current magnetic north pole is located in the Arctic Islands of Canada.
3. Compare geographic north

magnetic north

1. The direction of the north magnetic pole .

Word History and Origins

Origin of magnetic north¹

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

In Washington, magnetic north now points 15 degrees east.

From Seattle Times

This can lead to gradual shifts in the intensity and location of Earth’s magnetic north and south poles and even reversals where Earth’s magnetic poles trade places.

From National Geographic

I believe that Earth's magnetic north pole shifts position every so often.

From Scientific American

A powerful magnet keeps the muons on their circular track, and at the same time makes their magnetic north–south axis rotate.

From Scientific American

Because the iron from the hot spot was liquid when ejected, it oriented itself toward magnetic north upon eruption, and then got locked into place when it cooled.

From New York Times