magnetic dip
- noun
- Specialized
:
inclinación magnética
- At higher latitudes, the magnetic dip increases significantly, affecting compass accuracy.
Examples
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At the equator, the magnetic dip is zero.
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A special instrument called a dip circle can be used to measure the magnetic dip precisely.
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Geologists record the magnetic dip at various field sites to study Earth's magnetic field.
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The magnetic dip varies depending on your location.
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When studying navigation, understanding the magnetic dip is essential for accurate readings.
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The scientist explained how the magnetic dip changes depending on the geographical location.
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During the experiment, students learned to use a dip circle to measure the magnetic dip of the area.
Synonyms
5
6.3
The angle or tilt of something compared with a flat line
1
8.3
The angle a magnetic needle makes with the horizontal
The angle a magnetic needle makes with the horizon at a place
An angle between the Earth's magnetic field and the ground
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun phrase is a straightforward modifier + noun composition: 'magnetic' (relating to the Earth's magnetic field) qualifies 'dip' (a tilt or downward angle). A B1 learner who knows 'magnetic' and the basic sense of 'dip' as an inclination can infer this denotes the magnetic field's tilt, so the meaning is directly derivable from the constituents despite being a technical term.
Etymology
Magnetic dip comes from watching a compass needle dip, or tilt, toward the ground because Earth's magnetic field pulls it down in some places. So, magnetic dip means the 'angle' or tilt between the magnetic direction and the flat ground at a place.