The word "magnetoelectricity" is spelled with the prefix "magneto-" indicating its relation to magnetism, and the suffix "-electricity" which denotes the presence of electricity or electric charge. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word would be /mæɡˌniːtəʊɪˌlɛkˈtrɪsɪti/. This complex term refers to a phenomenon where magnetic and electric properties coexist in a material, allowing for the control and manipulation of electrical currents through magnetic fields. This concept is essential to the development of various technologies, such as advanced computing and data storage.
Magnetoelectricity is a phenomenon resulting from the mutual coupling between electric and magnetic fields in a material. It refers to the ability of certain substances to exhibit electric polarization in response to a magnetic field or magnetic polarization in response to an electric field. This unique property arises from the interaction between the electric and magnetic moments of atomic or molecular species within the material.
In magnetoelectric materials, the alignment or orientation of magnetic and electric moments can be altered by an external field, allowing for the conversion of one form of energy into another. This dual response makes magnetoelectric materials highly interesting for a variety of applications, including sensors, actuators, data storage, and spintronics.
Magnetoelectricity is typically characterized by material-specific coefficients known as magnetoelectric coupling coefficients, which quantify the relative strengths of the electric and magnetic responses. These coefficients provide insight into the extent of coupling between the two fields and determine the efficiency of energy conversion.
The study of magnetoelectricity is an interdisciplinary field, combining principles from condensed matter physics, materials science, and electromagnetism. Researchers explore various types of magnetoelectric effects, such as the linear magnetoelectric effect, nonlinear magnetoelectric effect, and multiferroic behavior, to harness the potential of magnetoelectric materials for technological advancements in electronic devices and information processing systems.
Electricity generated by the action of a magnet.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "magnetoelectricity" combines two root words: "magnet" and "electricity", with the addition of the combining form "-o-" and the suffix "-ity".
The root word "magnet" is derived from the Greek word "magnēs", which refers to a type of stone found in Magnesia, a region in ancient Greece. These stones were naturally magnetized and were known to attract iron objects. Over time, "magnēs" evolved into "magnet" in English.
The root word "electricity" originates from the Latin word "electricus", which means "of amber". In ancient times, the Greeks discovered that when amber was rubbed against an object, it could generate an attractive force similar to magnets. From there, the word "electricus" transitioned into "electricity" in English, referring to the property of electrical charge and flow.