What does remanence mean?
Remanence is chiefly a physics term for the magnetic magnetization that remains in a material after an external magnetic field has been removed. Instead of immediately returning to a non-magnetic state, the material continues to exhibit magnetization, often because its internal magnetic domains have become locked in a stable arrangement. This property is especially important in geology, where remanence can preserve evidence of past magnetic fields, and in materials science, where it influences the design and measurement of magnetic materials. The word can also be used more broadly for the persistence of an influence or state after its original cause has disappeared. Its specialized meaning is especially associated with remanent magnetism, magnetic remanence, and remanent magnetization.
nounThe persistence of magnetic magnetization in a material after an external magnetic field has been removed. It is also used more generally for the persistence or residual quality of something after its original influence or cause has ceased.
- The persistence of magnetic magnetization in a material after the external magnetic field that produced it has been removed.
- The persistence of a state, influence, or characteristic after its original source or cause has ceased.
"The rock's magnetic remanence preserved a record of the ancient field that had magnetized it."
"The remanence of the lodestone allowed it to continue attracting iron."
"The study of remanence helped geologists reconstruct changes in Earth's magnetic field over time."
Plural forms are uncommon but follow the regular English noun pattern; the word is usually used in the singular in technical writing.
"The researchers compared the remanences of samples collected from different layers."
A compass needle can preserve the direction of an ancient magnetic field long after that field has disappeared, turning remanence into a kind of magnetic memory.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does remanence come from?
Remanence comes from Latin remanere, meaning “to remain” or “to stay behind,” with the noun formed through the suffix -ence. The same Latin root underlies English words such as remain and remnant. In English, remanence was adopted in scientific contexts for the continued presence of magnetization after the external field has ceased.
Related word forms
How remanence is actually used
In its principal technical sense, remanence is used in physics, geology, and materials science. The broader sense is uncommon and can sound formal or metaphorical.
Easily confused with remanence
Remanence is a technical term for persistent magnetism or residual magnetization, whereas a remnant is a surviving portion of something larger.
Remanence refers to the persistence of a magnetic or other physical state, while residue refers to material left behind after something has been removed.