Magnetic
/mæɡˈnɛt.ɪk/noun
Relating to magnetism or having a powerful attractive force.
Did you know?Magnetic comes from Greek words tied to Magnesia, a place associated with naturally attracting lodestone, which helped turn a mysterious stone into a scientific force.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
μαγνῆτις λίθος (magnētis lithos)
“"stone from Magnesia," a lodestone believed to attract iron”
Latin
Latin
magneticus
“of or relating to magnetism or lodestone”
Late Latin / Medieval Latin
Latin
magnetismus
“the property or study of magnetic attraction”
14th Century
English
magnetik
“relating to a magnet or magnetic attraction”
Modern English
English
magnetic
“relating to magnetism; strongly attractive or compelling”