stone with magnetic properties that attracts iron; piece of loadstone used as a magnet; something which attracts (loadstone)
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Lodestone Definition from Language, Idioms & Slang Dictionaries & Glossaries
(n.)
Same as Loadstone.
Same as Loadstone.
(n.)
A piece of magnetic iron ore possessing polarity like a magnetic needle. See Magnetite.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), edited by Noah Porter. AboutA piece of magnetic iron ore possessing polarity like a magnetic needle. See Magnetite.
lodestone
see under loadstone
lodestone
\lode"stone`\ (?), n. (min.) same as loadstone.
Noun
1. a permanent magnet consisting of magnetite that possess polarity and has the power to attract as well as to be attracted magnetically
(synonym) loadstone
(hypernym) permanent magnet, static magnet
(substance-meronym) magnetite, magnetic iron-ore
Lodestone Definition from Encyclopedia Dictionaries & Glossaries
A lodestone or loadstone is a naturally magnetized piece of the mineral magnetite. They are naturally occurring magnets, that attract pieces of iron. Ancient people first discovered the property of magnetism in lodestone. Pieces of lodestone, suspended so they could turn, were the first magnetic compasses, and their importance to early navigation is indicated by the name lodestone, which in Middle English means 'course stone' or 'leading stone'. Lodestone is one of only two minerals that is found naturally magnetized; the other, pyrrhotite, is only weakly magnetic. Magnetite is black or brownish-black with a metallic luster, has a Mohs hardness of 5.5-6.5 and a black streak.
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