noun
electromagnet
ih-LEK-troh-mag-nuht/ɪˈlektrəʊmæɡnət/
A magnet whose magnetic field is produced by an electric current.
The battery-powered electromagnet lifts paper clips from the surface.
Etymology
Magnet originally named lodestone, a stone that attracts iron. The electrical element identifies a different source of that magnetic power: an electric current.
In context
And behind me is a huge electromagnet. And when we turn that thing on, what's going to happen? Let's take a look. Wow. Compass turned toward the magnet. But when we turn that off, it's going to turn back
More examples
- The electromagnet releases the nails when we disconnect the battery.
- Increasing the current makes this electromagnet stronger.
- Electromagnets hold the security doors shut until someone presses the release button.
Forms
electromagnet · electromagnets
electromagnetic adjective — Relating to linked electric and magnetic phenomena.
electromagnetism noun — The interaction of electric and magnetic phenomena.
Similar words
- magnet
- Broader term covering both permanent magnets and electrically powered magnets.