paramagnet

[ par-uh-mag-nit, par-uh-mag- ]

noun

, Physics.

1. a body or substance that, placed in a magnetic field, possesses magnetization in direct proportion to the field strength; a substance in which the magnetic moments of the atoms are not aligned.

Other Words From

• par·a·mag·net·ism noun
• par·a·mag·net·ic [par-, uh, -mag-, net, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of paramagnet¹

First recorded in 1905–10; back formation from paramagnetic; para- ¹, magnet