What does paramagnet mean?
A paramagnet is a material or body that is weakly attracted to an externally applied magnetic field. In a non-uniform field, it moves toward regions of stronger magnetism, but it does not normally retain a lasting magnetization after the field is removed. This behavior distinguishes a paramagnet from a diamagnet, which is repelled, and from a ferromagnet, which can remain strongly magnetized. In physics and materials science, the noun identifies a material or specimen, while the adjective paramagnetic describes a property or state. Because the effect is generally subtle, paramagnets are identified through measurements of magnetic susceptibility or response rather than obvious attraction. The term is nevertheless important in studying magnetic materials, separating field-responsive substances from those that are repelled or magnetically ordered. A paramagnet does not mean a permanent magnet; its defining feature is a weak, reversible response to an applied field.
nounA material or body that is weakly attracted to an externally applied magnetic field, especially in a non-uniform field, but does not normally retain magnetization after the field is removed.
- A material or body exhibiting weak, reversible attraction to an applied magnetic field.
"A paramagnet is drawn toward the stronger-field end of a laboratory magnet."
"The sample was identified as a paramagnet by measuring its magnetic susceptibility."
"Several paramagnets were tested in the variable-field magnetometer."
The plural is used when referring to several materials or specimens that exhibit paramagnetic behavior.
"Several paramagnets were tested in the variable-field magnetometer."
A paramagnet moves toward stronger magnetic fields, yet leaves no lasting magnetic memory once the field is gone.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does paramagnet come from?
The word is formed from para- and magnet. The prefix comes from Greek pará, meaning “beside” or “near,” while magnet entered English through Latin and ultimately derives from Greek magnētis, referring to lodestone. The compound developed within scientific terminology for distinguishing one type of magnetic response from ordinary or strongly magnetized behavior.
Related word forms
How paramagnet is actually used
A technical term in physics and materials science. The noun identifies a material or specimen, while paramagnetic is the corresponding adjective.
Easily confused with paramagnet
A magnet is an object or material that produces a magnetic field, whereas a paramagnet is a material that is only weakly attracted to an externally applied field.