< Back
horseshoe magnet
Definition
A horseshoe magnet is a type of magnet that is shaped like a horseshoe. It has two poles, one at each end of the horseshoe. The poles are opposites, so the north pole of one end of the magnet is attracted to the south pole of the other end.
Horseshoe magnets are often used in science experiments and in everyday items, such as refrigerator magnets. They are also used in electric motors and generators.
How can the word be used?
The horseshoe magnet was used to power the electric motor.
Different forms of the word
There are no different forms of the word "horseshoe magnet".
Etymology
The word "horseshoe magnet" is a compound word, made up of the words "horseshoe" and "magnet".
Horseshoe: This word comes from the Old English word "hors" meaning "horse" and "shoe" meaning "a piece of metal shaped like a hoof". It was first used in English in the 13th century to describe a piece of metal shaped like a horse's hoof.
Magnet: This word comes from the Greek word "magnes" meaning "of Magnesia". Magnesia is a region in Greece where magnetite, a naturally occurring magnet, was first found. It was first used in English in the 14th century to describe a stone that attracts iron.
The word "horseshoe magnet" was first used in the 18th century to describe a magnet that is shaped like a horseshoe.
Question
What is a horseshoe magnet?