Antiferromagnetism

/ˌæntiˌfɛroʊˈmæɡnətɪzəm/ noun

Definition

A physical property where unpaired electrons in a material align their spins in opposite directions, causing the material to have almost no external magnetic field.

Etymology

From anti- + ferromagnetism. Introduced by physicist Léon Néel in 1932 to explain mysterious magnetic behaviors in certain minerals and compounds.

Kelly Says

Antiferromagnetism is so common that you've probably held antiferromagnetic materials without knowing it—hematite and chromium oxide are antiferromagnetic, and they're found in rocks, paints, and even some cosmetics!

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