polarity

noun (plural polarities)

• the property of having poles or being polar:it exhibits polarity when presented to a magnetic needle
• the relative orientation of poles; the direction of a magnetic or electric field:the magnetic field peaks in strength immediately after switching polarity
• the state of having two opposite or contradictory tendencies, opinions, or aspects:the polarity between male and female the Cold War’s neat polarities can hardly be carried on
• Biology the tendency of living organisms or parts to develop with distinct anterior and posterior (or uppermost and lowermost) ends, or to grow or orient in a particular direction.