paramagnetism

/ ˌpærəˈmæɡnɪˌtɪzəm; ˌpærəmæɡˈnɛtɪk /

noun

1. physics the phenomenon exhibited by substances that have a relative permeability slightly greater than unity and a positive susceptibility. The effect is due to the alignment of unpaired spins of electrons in atoms of the material Compare diamagnetism ferromagnetism

paramagnetism

/ păr′ə-măg′nĭ-tĭz′əm /

1. The property of being weakly attracted to either pole of a magnet. Paramagnetic materials, such as aluminum and platinum, become slightly magnetized when exposed to a magnetic field, but they lose their magnetism when the field is removed. When these materials are magnetized by a nearby magnet, the orientation of their north and sole poles results in their being attracted to the closest pole of the magnet.
2. Compare diamagnetism

Derived Forms

• paramagnetic, adjective

Example Sentences

Although other types of magnetism, such as diamagnetism and paramagnetism have been categorised, these describe specific responses to externally applied magnetic fields rather than spontaneous magnetic orderings in materials.

From Science Daily

Marie Curie Kicks Off the 2011 World Science Festival Even in the world of science, it is not every day when romance is summed up using words such as diamagnetism and paramagnetism as analogies.

From Scientific American

The properties of paramagnetism and diamagnetism are not possessed by solids only, but exist also in liquids and gases.

From Project Gutenberg