資料來源 : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Magnetic \Mag*net"ic\, Magnetical \Mag*net"ic*al\, a. [L.
   magneticus: cf. F. magn['e]tique.]
   1. Pertaining to the magnet; possessing the properties of the
      magnet, or corresponding properties; as, a magnetic bar of
      iron; a magnetic needle.

   2. Of or pertaining to, or characterized by, the earth's
      magnetism; as, the magnetic north; the magnetic meridian.

   3. Capable of becoming a magnet; susceptible to magnetism;
      as, the magnetic metals.

   4. 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.

   5. 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) (Chem. Physics) Those elements, as iron, nickel,
          cobalt, chromium, manganese, etc., which are capable
          or becoming magnetic.
      (b) (Physics) In respect to terrestrial magnetism, the
          declination, inclination, and intensity.
      (c) See under {Element}.

   {Magnetic equator}, the line around the equatorial parts of
      the earth at which there is no dip, the dipping needle
      being horizontal.

   {Magnetic field}, or {Field of magnetic force}, any space
      through which magnet exerts its influence.

   {Magnetic fluid}, the hypothetical fluid whose existence was
      formerly assumed in the explanations of the phenomena of
      magnetism.

   {Magnetic iron}, or {Magnetic iron ore}. (Min.) Same as
      {Magnetite}.

   {Magnetic needle}, a slender bar of steel, magnetized and
      suspended at its center on a sharp-pointed pivot, or by a
      delicate fiber, so that it may take freely the direction
      of the magnetic meridian. It constitutes the essential
      part of a compass, such as the mariner's and the
      surveyor's.

   {Magnetic poles}, the two points in the opposite polar
      regions of the earth at which the direction of the dipping
      needle is vertical.

   {Magnetic pyrites}. See {Pyrrhotite}.

   {Magnetic storm} (Terrestrial Physics), a disturbance of the
      earth's magnetic force characterized by great and sudden
      changes.

   {Magnetic telegraph}, a telegraph acting by means of a
      magnet. See {Telegraph}.

資料來源 : WordNet®

magnetic needle
     n : a slender magnet suspended in a magnetic compass on a
         mounting with little friction; used to indicate the
         direction of the earth's magnetic pole