electromagnetism

noun

elec·​tro·​mag·​ne·​tism i-ˌlek-trō-ˈmag-nə-ˌti-zəm 

1

: magnetism developed by a current of electricity

2

a

: a fundamental physical force that is responsible for interactions between charged particles which occur because of their charge and for the emission and absorption of photons, that is about a hundredth the strength of the strong force, and that extends over infinite distances but is dominant over atomic and molecular distances

called also electromagnetic force

compare gravity sense 3a(2), strong force, weak force

b

: a branch of physical science that deals with the physical relations between electricity and magnetism

Examples of electromagnetism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If dense, massive atomic nuclei were orbited by electrons — and if that was the structure of the atom — then the laws of electromagnetism presented an enormous problem. —Big Think, 21 June 2024

The Standard Model of Particle Physics describes the fundamental particles that make up all matter, like quarks and electrons, as well as the particles that mediate their interactions through forces like electromagnetism and the weak force. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 9 Apr. 2024

Alas, that same electric charge makes positrons susceptible to tiny electric fields—and electromagnetism eclipses gravity’s force. —Rahul Rao, Popular Science, 27 Sep. 2023

Induction stoves use electromagnetism to heat up pots and pans (and have glass tops). —Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 2 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

electromagnetism

noun

elec·​tro·​mag·​ne·​tism i-ˌlek-trō-ˈmag-nə-ˌtiz-əm 

1

: magnetism developed by a current of electricity

2

: a natural force arising from interactions between charged particles

Medical Definition

electromagnetism

noun

elec·​tro·​mag·​ne·​tism i-ˌlek-trō-ˈmag-nə-ˌtiz-əm 

1

: magnetism developed by a current of electricity

2

: physics dealing with the relations between electricity and magnetism