loadstone

3 definitions found

loadstone - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Loadstone \Load"stone`\, Lodestone \Lode"stone\, n. [Load, lode
     + stone.] (Min.)
     A piece of magnetite, a magnetic iron ore, possessing
     polarity like a magnetic needle, having the power to attract
     as well as to be attracted magnetically. See Magnetite.
     [1913 Webster]

  Magnetite \Mag"net*ite\, n. (Min.)
     An oxide of iron (Fe3O4) occurring in isometric crystals,
     also massive, of a black color and metallic luster. It is
     readily attracted by a magnet and sometimes possesses
     polarity, being then called loadstone. It is an important
     iron ore. Called also magnetic iron.
     [1913 Webster]

loadstone - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  loadstone
      n 1: a permanent magnet consisting of magnetite that possess
           polarity and has the power to attract as well as to be
           attracted magnetically [syn: lodestone, loadstone]