magnetism — ONAD

magnetism /ˈmaɡnəˌtizəm, ˈmæɡnəˌtɪzəm

▸ noun

1 a physical phenomenon produced by the motion of electric charge, resulting in attractive and repulsive forces between objects.

All magnetism is due to circulating electric currents. In magnetic materials the magnetism is produced by electrons orbiting within the atoms; in most substances the magnetic effects of different electrons cancel each other out, but in some, such as iron, a net magnetic field can be induced by aligning the atoms.

2 the ability to attract and charm people:

his personal magnetism attracted men to the brotherhood.

– ORIGIN early 17th century : from modern Latin magnetismus, from Latin magneta (see magnet).