Definition

A type of material in which adjacent magnetic moments or spins are aligned in opposite directions, resulting in no net magnetization.

Example

The scientist studied the properties of the antiferromagnet to understand its unique magnetic behavior.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of an antiferromagnet?

Yeah, I think it's something to do with magnetism, right?

Exactly! It’s a type of material that has a unique magnetic property.

That's pretty cool; I love learning about different materials!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Antiferromagnet → It is formed from "anti-" (meaning against) and "ferromagnet" (from Latin "ferrum", meaning iron, and Greek "magnetis", meaning magnet). The term describes a material that has magnetic moments that align in opposite directions, effectively canceling each other out, hence 'against' the typical ferromagnetic behavior.

Memory Tip

Think of 'anti-' meaning against, and 'ferromagnet' relating to iron magnets — this helps you remember that an antiferromagnet has magnetic properties that oppose each other.

Visually Confused Words