magnetic attraction
1
3.7
- noun
- /mæɡˈnɛtɪk əˈtrækʃən/
- Specialized
:
atracción magnética
- A kind of magnetic attraction or sympathy was also assumed to be behind the widely accepted healing action of weapon salve, used to treat men wounded on the battlefield.
- a kind of magnetic attraction
Examples
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And there's the undeniable, magnetic attraction to a boy Holly barely knows.
Blog text (12) -
Second, indigenous matrilineal practices that catered to the well-being of females provided a magnetic attraction to bring women together.
Academic text (2004) -
You know, not so long ago... ...scientists laughed at the idea of magnetic attraction.
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In many instances, the magnetic attraction of the psychopath for members of the opposite sex seems almost supernatural.
Blog text (33) -
The magnetic attraction is enhanced by the intriguing buildings ringing the pond that beg for exploration.
Academic text (2012) -
Acknowledging students' natural magnetic attraction to teachers who exude passion, it is in the best interest of schools to endorse the need for, and recognition of, passion as a key to teaching success.
Academic text (2007) -
The magnetic attraction between the magnet and the iron filings was clearly visible during the science experiment.
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In the lab, we observed how magnetic attraction pulls the metal objects toward the magnet.
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Magnetic trains utilize magnetic attraction to levitate above the tracks, providing a smooth ride.
Synonyms
96
2.8
A force that pulls objects toward each other, like gravity or magnets
5
3.8
A natural force that makes iron or steel move toward magnets and that electricity can make
2
4.1
A push or pull from a magnet that moves metal and other magnets
1
4.7
A pull that makes two things move toward each other, like gravity or magnets
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun phrase is transparently composed from 'magnetic' (having magnetism) + 'attraction' (a pulling force), so the meaning — a pulling force caused by magnetism — is directly derivable from the constituents. This adjective+noun composition is a standard, cross-linguistic pattern, so an average B1 learner who knows both words will readily understand the MWE.
Etymology
Magnetic attraction comes from the simple image of a magnet pulling metal toward it. Imagine a horseshoe magnet lifting nails and paper clips as if an invisible hand were 'pulling' them, so the phrase means the force that draws certain metals toward a magnet today.