magnet
Pronunciation: /ˈmagnɪt/
noun
- a piece of iron or other material which has its component atoms so ordered that the material exhibits properties of magnetism, such as attracting other iron-containing objects or aligning itself in an external magnetic field.
- a person or thing that has a powerful attraction: the beautiful stretch of white sand is a magnet for sun-worshippers
- archaic term for lodestone.
Origin:
late Middle English (denoting lodestone): from Latin magnes, magnet-, from Greek magnēs lithos 'lodestone', probably influenced by Anglo-Norman French magnete (from Latin magnes, magnet-)