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Glite Dictionary
magnetic north

magnetic north

2 3.9
The direction a compass needle's north end points on Earth
  • noun
  • /mæɡˈnɛtɪk nɔrθ/
translation icon : norte magnético
  • Understanding how magnetic north shifts over time is crucial for accurate map reading and navigation.
  • magnetic north pole
  • degrees from magnetic north

Examples

  • The instrument's data told them that Neptune's magnetic north was in a very different place from the top of its axis.

    Academic text (2007)

  • The good news is that there is almost no declination adjustment with a compass, meaning true north and magnetic north are within a few degrees of each other.

    Blog text (13)

  • He had been using it primarily as a tool for locating the fort and had oriented his excavation towards today's magnetic north.

    Academic text (2006)

  • When using a compass, you should align it so that the needle points towards magnetic north.

  • During navigation, sailors often adjust their charts to account for the difference between true north and magnetic north.

Synonyms

compass north
vsmagnetic north
  • Specialized
3.5

The direction the north end of a magnetic needle points toward on Earth

means the same but focuses on direction toward Earth's north magnetic pole

Surface Forms

magnetic north singular
magnetic norths plural

Morphology

magnetic + north

The meaning is directly compositional: 'magnetic' (relating to the Earth's magnetic field) combined with 'north' (the cardinal direction) yields the direction toward the Earth's magnetic pole. This is a transparent, cross-linguistically common construction and a B1 learner who knows both words will readily infer the intended meaning (aside from the finer technical distinction from 'true north').

Etymology

The phrase magnetic north comes from how a compass works: the north‑seeking end of the needle points to a place where the Earth acts like a big magnet. The word magnetic shows the 'magnet' force and north is the direction the needle points, so following a compass takes you toward 'magnetic north' rather than 'true north'.