What does antimagnetic mean?
Antimagnetic is an adjective for an object, component, or material whose design prevents or counteracts magnetic influence. The term is most familiar in watchmaking, where an antimagnetic movement is shielded so that the magnetic field of a phone, speaker, handbag clasp, or other magnet cannot make the mechanism run inaccurately. In general technical language, the word may describe shielding, cases, housings, or instruments intended to remain reliable near magnets. It is not simply a formal synonym for every nonmagnetic substance: diamagnetism is a specific physical property, whereas antimagnetic usually describes the practical function of the finished object. The word therefore conveys purposeful resistance to magnetic interference rather than the complete absence of any magnetic response.
adjectiveDesigned to prevent or counteract the effects of a magnetic field; specifically, protected against magnetic interference or attraction.
- Designed or functioning to prevent, resist, or counteract magnetic effects.
"The diver wore an antimagnetic watch so that the steel hull would not interfere with its mechanism."
"The instrument manufacturer fitted the compass with an antimagnetic housing."
"An antimagnetic watch is especially useful for people who work near strong magnets or metal machinery."
A single nearby magnet can make a mechanical watch lose time; an antimagnetic watch is designed to shrug off that influence.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does antimagnetic come from?
The English compound was formed with anti-, from Greek anti, meaning “against” or “opposite,” and magnetic, from Latin magneticus, a derivative of Greek magnētikos. Magnētikos in turn relates to magnētis, “lodestone,” the source of magnet and magnetism. The compound has become especially associated with protective cases and mechanisms for watches and other precision instruments.
Related word forms
How antimagnetic is actually used
Usually used attributively before a noun and especially common in watchmaking, instrument design, and technical product descriptions. The closed form is standard, although the hyphenated spelling occasionally occurs.
Easily confused with antimagnetic
Diamagnetism is a specific physical property exhibited by certain materials, whereas antimagnetic usually describes the practical function of a finished object designed to resist magnetic effects.