magnetization
UK[ˌmæɡnətaɪˈzeɪʃn]US[ˌmæɡnətəˈzeɪʃn]
n
the process of making something magnetic or the state of being magnetic.
n
the extent or degree to which a material is magnetized.
Morpheme Breakdown
magnet
ization
magnet
magnet
ization
process or state
Etymology
the word's journey begins with the greek term for a magnetic iron ore found in magnesia, a region in thessaly. this term passed into latin as 'magnes', evolving into the english 'magnet' to denote the object possessing the property of attraction. the modern abstract noun 'magnetization' was formed in the 19th century by appending the process-forming suffix '-ization' to 'magnet'. this construction logically encapsulates the concept of imparting the property inherent to a magnet—the ability to attract iron or produce a magnetic field—onto another material, transforming a geographic namesake into a precise scientific term.
Analysis
Structure: magnet (magnet) + ization (process or state)
magnet originates from greek 'magnēs lithos' (magnesian stone), via latin 'magnes'. it functions as the core noun denoting a magnetic object or material. ization is a suffix of latin and greek origin, via french, forming nouns denoting a process or the result of a process.
Examples
the magnetization of the steel needle was achieved by stroking it with a lodestone.
the material retains a high level of magnetization even after the external field is removed.
the process involves the step of magnetization before the particles can be aligned.