magnetosphere

noun

mag·​ne·​to·​sphere mag-ˈnē-tə-ˌsfir How to pronounce magnetosphere (audio)
-ˈne-
: a region of space surrounding a celestial object (such as a planet or star) that is dominated by the object's magnetic field so that charged particles are trapped in it
magnetospheric
mag-ˌnē-tə-ˈsfir-ik How to pronounce magnetosphere (audio)
-ˈsfer-
-ˌne-
adjective

Examples of magnetosphere in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Neptune’s magnetosphere is large enough to envelop Triton. Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024 These ejections can collide with Earth’s magnetosphere, the barrier protecting humanity from the harshest impacts of space weather, to produce geomagnetic storms. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024 Three cups are pointed towards the Sun to record solar wind while inside the heliosphere, while the fourth is positioned at a right angle to the others to capture information on various planetary magnetospheres, the heliosphere, and interstellar space. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Oct. 2024 Experts say the best times to see the lights are around the spring and fall equinoxes because of the way solar wind interacts with Earth’s magnetosphere to create larger geomagnetic storms. Molly Bohannon, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for magnetosphere 

Word History

Etymology

magneto- + -sphere

Note: Term introduced by the Austrian-born physicist Thomas Gold (1920-2004) in "Motions in the Magnetosphere of the Earth," Journal of Geophysical Research, vol. 64, no. 9 (September, 1959), pp. 1219-24.

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of magnetosphere was in 1959

Dictionary Entries Near magnetosphere

Cite this Entry

“Magnetosphere.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnetosphere. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

magnetosphere

noun
mag·​ne·​to·​sphere mag-ˈnēt-ə-ˌsfi(ə)r How to pronounce magnetosphere (audio)
-ˈnet-
: a region of space around an object (as a planet or star) that is dominated by the object's magnetic field

More from Merriam-Webster on magnetosphere

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