Pronunciation: [maɡnˈɛtɪk mˈa͡ɪn] (IPA) 
The spelling of "magnetic mine" follows typical English spelling rules, with some nuances in pronunciation. The word "magnetic" is spelled with a "g" rather than a "c" because it originates from the Latin word "magnēs," which means magnet. The pronunciation of "mine" is consistent with the short "i" sound, as in "tip" or "rib." The IPA phonetic transcription for "magnetic mine" is /mæɡˈnɛtɪk maɪn/.
A magnetic mine refers to an explosive device that is specifically designed to detonate upon detecting the presence of a magnetic field, usually generated by a metal object such as a ship. It is a form of naval mine utilized primarily in maritime warfare, aiming to inflict damage or destruction on naval vessels.
The construction of a magnetic mine typically involves a case or shell that encloses explosive materials, a magnetic sensor, and a triggering mechanism. The magnetic sensor is sensitive to fluctuations in the surrounding magnetic field, which prompts the triggering mechanism to initiate detonation upon detecting a significant change caused by the metallic hull of a ship passing nearby.
Magnetic mines have been used in various conflicts throughout history, especially during World War I and World War II. They possess the advantage of being stealthy and difficult to detect, as they do not rely on acoustic, pressure, or acoustic sensors. By exploiting the magnetic properties of vessels, magnetic mines pose a significant threat to naval forces by creating a risk of disabling or sinking ships, disrupting trade, and impeding military operations.
Modern advancements in mine countermeasures and naval technologies, such as magnetic sweeps and degaussing systems, have been developed to counteract magnetic mines and limit their effectiveness. Additionally, significant international efforts have been made to ban or restrict the use of magnetic mines to minimize the risk they pose to maritime security and civilian populations.
The word "magnetic" originates from the Latin word "magnēticus" which means "pertaining to a magnet". It is derived from the Greek word "magnēs" or "magnētis lithos", which refers to the magnetic stone in the region of Magnesia in Greece. The term "mine" comes from the Old French word "mine" meaning "subterranean passage" or "pit", which further traces back to the Late Latin word "mina" meaning "mine" or "mineral". In the context of "magnetic mine", the term "mine" refers to an explosive device that can be attached to or submerged in water to target ships through its magnetic properties.
