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D — Diadrom to Diameter (Part 6 of 6)

Diamagnetic
(Di`a*mag*net"ic) a. Pertaining to, or exhibiting the phenomena of, diamagnetism; taking, or being of a nature to take, a position at right angles to the lines of magnetic force. See Paramagnetic.

Diamagnetic attraction. See under Attraction.

Diamagnetic
(Di`a*mag*net"ic), n. Any substance, as bismuth, glass, phosphorous, etc., which in a field of magnetic force is differently affected from the ordinary magnetic bodies, as iron; that is, which tends to take a position at right angles to the lines of magnetic force, and is repelled by either pole of the magnet.

Diamagnetically
(Di`a*mag*net"ic*al*ly) adv. In the manner of, or according to, diamagnetism.

Diamagnetism
(Di`a*mag"net*ism) n.

1. The science which treats of diamagnetic phenomena, and of the properties of diamagnetic bodies.

2. That form or condition of magnetic action which characterizes diamagnetics.

Diamantiferous
(Di`a*man*tif"er*ous) a. [F. diamant diamond + -ferous.] Yielding diamonds.

Diamantine
(Di`a*man"tine) a. Adamantine. [Obs.]

Diameter
(Di*am"e*ter) n. [F. diamètre, L. diametros, fr. Gr. dia` through + measure. See Meter.]

1. (Geom.) (a) Any right line passing through the center of a figure or body, as a circle, conic section, sphere, cube, etc., and terminated by the opposite boundaries; a straight line which bisects a system of parallel chords drawn in a curve. (b) A diametral plane.

2. The length of a straight line through the center of an object from side to side; width; thickness; as, the diameter of a tree or rock.

In an elongated object the diameter is usually taken at right angles to the longer axis.

3. (Arch.) The distance through the lower part of the shaft of a column, used as a standard measure for all parts of the order. See Module.

Conjugate diameters. See under Conjugate.