%magnetism%

n. 1. The science which treats of diamagnetic phenomena, and of the properties of diamagnetic bodies. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The magnetic action which characterizes diamagnetic substances, the magnetic moments of which tend to oppose an externally applied magnetic field. Contrasted with paramagnetism and ferromagnetism. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

n. 1. magnetism produced by an electric current. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

2. one of the fundamental forces of nature, responsible for both electrical and magnetic phenomena. Called also the electromagnetic force. Formerly believed to be separate phenomena, electricity and magnetism were shown by experiment and theory to be different aspects of the electromagnetic force. It is responsible for the forces generated between magnetically or electrically charged objects, and is the fundamental force responsible for the characteristics of electromagnetic radiation, including light. [ PJC ]

3. the branch of physics concerned with electromagnetic phenomena. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. [ Cf. F. magnétisme. ] The property, quality, or state, of being magnetic; the manifestation of the force in nature which is seen in a magnet. At one time it was believed to be separate from the electrical force, but it is now known to be intimately associated with electricity, as part of the phenomenon of electromagnetism. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

2. The science which treats of magnetic phenomena. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Power of attraction; power to excite the feelings and to gain the affections. “By the magnetism of interest our affections are irresistibly attracted.” Glanvill. [ 1913 Webster ]

Animal magnetism, Same as hypnotism, at one time believe to be due to a force more or less analogous to magnetism, which, it was alleged, is produced in animal tissues, and passes from one body to another with or without actual contact. The existence of such a force, and its potentiality for the cure of disease, were asserted by Mesmer in 1775. His theories and methods were afterwards called mesmerism, a name which has been popularly applied to theories and claims not put forward by Mesmer himself. See Mesmerism, Biology, Od, Hypnotism. --
Terrestrial magnetism, the magnetic force exerted by the earth, and recognized by its effect upon magnetized needles and bars. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Physics) A property of materials which are not magnetized in the absence of an external magnetic field, but in which the magnetic moments of their constituents align with and enhance an applied magnetic field; the induced magnetic field of the substance is in direct proportion to the strength of the applied magnetic field; -- opposed to diamagnetic and contrasted with ferromagnetic. Faraday. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The branch of science which treats of the relation of magnetism to light. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Gr. frh`n, freno`s, the mind + E. magnetism. ] The power of exciting the organs of the brain by magnetic or mesmeric influence. [ 1913 Webster ]