Definition
An object or material that produces a magnetic field, attracting iron and certain other metals and aligning itself with external magnetic fields. In a magnetic compass, small permanent magnets are mounted on a float so they pivot freely and align with the Earth's magnetic field, indicating direction.
Plain English
A piece of metal that pulls on iron and lines itself up with the Earth's magnetic field. Inside a compass, tiny magnets swing on a pivot so they always point toward magnetic north, showing the pilot which way the aircraft is heading.
Context Anchor
Seen in magnetic compass discussions, where the compass uses magnets to show direction.
Derivation
From Greek 'magnetis lithos', meaning 'stone of Magnesia' -- a region in ancient Greece where naturally magnetic rocks (lodestones) were found. Knowing the word originally meant a naturally occurring magnetic stone helps reinforce that a magnet is something that inherently produces a magnetic field, not something powered or switched on.
Why Pilots Care
The compass needle is a magnet that aligns with Earth's magnetic field, providing a reliable heading reference independent of electrical systems.
Analogy
Similar to how two refrigerator magnets snap together or push apart depending on which poles face each other, the compass magnet responds to the Earth's magnetic poles.
Intuition Check
A magnet is not just something that sticks to a refrigerator. In a compass, its important job is to line up with Earth’s magnetic field and move the compass card.
Example Sentence 1
The compass card is mounted on small magnets that align with the Earth's magnetic field, showing the aircraft's heading.
Example Sentence 2
During preflight, the pilot checks that no strong magnets or ferrous materials are near the compass to avoid deviation.