acoustomagnetic

adjective

acous·to·mag·net·ic ə-¦kü-stō-mag-¦ne-tik

: of, relating to, or being a magnetic material that produces oscillations in a fashion that resembles acoustic waves

They report that the newest and fastest-growing version of the technology, known as acoustomagnetic surveillance, temporarily affected the functioning of pacemakers in 48 of 50 subjects tested.—

P. Weiss, Science News, 7 Nov. 1998

Note: Acoustomagnetic devices are sometimes used in product packaging as security against shoplifting. The device oscillates in response to an electromagnetic signal, producing a response that can be easily detected.

Word History

Etymology

acousto- + magnetic entry 1

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of acoustomagnetic was in 1965

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Acoustomagnetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acoustomagnetic. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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