ˈmagnəˌtizəm, ˈmaig- noun
( -s )
Etymology: New Latin magnetismus, from Latin magnet-, magnes magnet + -ismus -ism — more at magnet
1.
a. : a class of physical phenomena that includes the attraction for iron observed in lodestone and a magnet, that is believed to be inseparably associated with moving electricity, that is exhibited by both magnets and electric currents, and that is characterized by fields of force in which both magnets and electric currents experience mechanical forces — compare diamagnetism , paramagnetism , terrestrial magnetism
b. : a science that deals with magnetic phenomena
2. : an ability to attract : a power to charm
the magnetism and the glamorous oratorical gifts that make him a hero to so many — Woodrow Wyatt
a personal magnetism that made him irresistible — A.E.Wier
the magnetism of America was in her free institutions — R.J.Purcell
the magnetism of courage and devotion — Ambrose Bierce
3.
[French or German; French magnétisme, from German magnetismus ]
: animal magnetism