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It is not only important, but, in a degree necessary, that the people of this country, should have an American Dictionary of the English language; for, although the body of the language is the same as in England, and it is desirable to perpetuate that sameness, yet some differences must exist. Language is the expression of ideas; and if the people of one country cannot preserve an identity of ideas, they cannot retain an identity of language. |
MAGNET'IC
Pertaining to the
magnet; possessing the properties of the magnet, or corresponding
properties; as, a magnetic bar of iron; a magnetic
needle.
Of or pertaining to, or characterized by,
the earth's magnetism; as, the magnetic north; the
magnetic meridian.
Capable of becoming a magnet; susceptible
to magnetism; as, the magnetic metals.
Endowed with extraordinary personal power
to excite the feelings and to win the affections; attractive;
inducing attachment.
She that had all magnetic force alone. Donne. Having, susceptible to, or induced by,
animal magnetism, so called; as, a magnetic sleep. See
Magnetism.
Magnetic amplitude,
attraction, dip,
induction, etc. See under Amplitude,
Attraction, etc. -- Magnetic battery,
a combination of bar or horseshoe magnets with the like poles
adjacent, so as to act together with great power. --
Magnetic compensator, a contrivance connected
with a ship's compass for compensating or neutralizing the effect of
the iron of the ship upon the needle. -- Magnetic
curves, curves indicating lines of magnetic force, as
in the arrangement of iron filings between the poles of a powerful
magnet. -- Magnetic elements.
A magnet.
[Obs.]
As the magnetic hardest iron draws. Milton. Any metal, as iron, nickel, cobalt, etc.,
which may receive, by any means, the properties of the loadstone, and
which then, when suspended, fixes itself in the direction of a
magnetic meridian.
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