diamagnetism
(ˌdaɪəˈmægnɪtɪz(ə)m)
[f. dia-1 + magnetism, after diamagnetic.]
a. The phenomena exhibited by a class of bodies, which, when freely suspended and acted on by magnetism, take up a position transverse to that of the magnetic axis, i.e. lie (approximately) east and west; the force to which these phenomena are attributed; the quality of being diamagnetic. b. That branch of the science of magnetism which treats of diamagnetic bodies and phenomena.
| 1850 W. Gregory Lett. Anim. Magnetism p. xv, He does indeed propose to include under the general term Magnetism two forms of it; viz. Paramagnetism..and Diamagnetism. 1854 J. Scoffern in Orr's Circ. Sc. Chem. 273 The..beginning of the science of dia-magnetism. 1873 Watts Fownes' Chem. (ed. 11) 88 Diamagnetism must be regarded as a force distinct from magnetism. 1877 Le Conte Elem. Geol. (1879) 184 Apparent diamagnetism of cleaved slates under certain conditions. |