What does paramagnetic mean?
Paramagnetic describes a substance that is weakly attracted to a magnetic field. Unlike ferromagnetic materials, which can become strongly and persistently magnetized, a paramagnetic substance shows only a weak attraction and generally loses its magnetic response when the external field is removed. The term is especially common in physics and chemistry when discussing the magnetic properties of atoms, molecules, and materials. Familiar examples include oxygen and certain transition metals. Paramagnetism should not be confused with diamagnetism: paramagnetic materials are attracted to magnetic fields, whereas diamagnetic materials are weakly repelled. The word is useful because it names the subtle distinction between materials that respond to magnets and those that remain essentially unaffected.
adjectiveDenoting a substance or material that is weakly attracted to a magnetic field but does not retain magnetization after the field is removed.
- Weakly attracted to a magnetic field, without retaining magnetization when the field is removed.
"The team used a paramagnetic sensor to detect changes in the surrounding magnetic field."
"Oxygen is paramagnetic because its molecules are attracted toward a strong magnetic field."
"The laboratory measured the paramagnetic response of the sample before exposing it to the magnet."
Paramagnets can be drawn toward a magnet, but only faintly: their attraction is far weaker than that of iron.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does paramagnetic come from?
The word combines the prefix para-, meaning “beside” or “related to,” with magnetic, from the Greek magnētikos, meaning “of or like lodestone.” Its scientific sense developed in the study of magnetism and substances whose magnetic response is weak and temporary.
Related word forms
How paramagnetic is actually used
This is primarily a technical term used in physics, chemistry, and materials science. It is sometimes used informally for objects that respond weakly to magnets, but that usage may be imprecise.
Easily confused with paramagnetic
Paramagnetic materials are weakly attracted by a magnetic field, whereas diamagnetic materials are weakly repelled by it.
Ferromagnetic materials are strongly attracted to magnetic fields and can remain magnetized, while paramagnetic materials show only weak, temporary attraction.