nonmagnetic
|non-mag-net-ic|
🇺🇸
/ˌnɑn.mæɡˈnɛtɪk/
🇬🇧
/ˌnɒn.mæɡˈnɛtɪk/
not having magnetic properties
Etymology
'nonmagnetic' is formed from the prefix 'non-' (meaning 'not') + 'magnetic'. 'Magnetic' comes from New Latin 'magneticus', ultimately from Greek 'magnētikos', related to 'magnēs' (meaning 'lodestone').
'magnetic' developed from Greek 'magnēs'/'magnētikos' into Latin and later into Middle English forms such as 'magnetik', eventually becoming the modern English 'magnetic'. The negative prefix 'non-' comes from Latin 'non' meaning 'not', later used productively in English to form opposites.
Originally related specifically to lodestones and their attractive properties, 'magnetic' broadened to mean 'relating to magnetism' in general; 'nonmagnetic' thus evolved to mean 'lacking those magnetic properties' or 'not affected by magnets'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not having magnetic properties; not attracted to or affected by a magnet or magnetic field.
The cabinet is made of nonmagnetic materials so it won't interfere with sensitive instruments.
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Adjective 2
having negligible magnetic susceptibility or permeability; used in technical contexts to indicate a material that does not significantly respond to magnetic fields.
For certain experiments, nonmagnetic clamps are required to avoid distorting the magnetic field.
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Last updated: 2025/11/03 18:53