magnetostriction

[ mag-nee-toh-strik-shuhn ]

noun

, Physics.

1. a change in dimensions exhibited by ferromagnetic materials when subjected to a magnetic field.

magnetostriction

/ mæɡˌniːtəʊˈstrɪkʃən /

noun

1. a change in dimensions of a ferromagnetic material that is subjected to a magnetic field

magnetostriction

/ măg-nē′tō-strĭk′shən /

1. The change in shape and density of a substance, especially a ferromagnetic substance, when exposed to a magnetic field. The change depends on the direction and strength of the magnetic field. Rapid, alternating magnetostriction causes the iron cores of household transformers, which are subject to a changing magnetic field, to hum or buzz.

Derived Forms

• magˌnetoˈstrictive, adjective

Other Words From

• mag·ne·to·stric·tive [mag-nee-t, uh, -, strik, -tiv], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of magnetostriction¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; magneto- + (con)striction

Word History and Origins

Origin of magnetostriction¹

C19: from magneto- + constriction