magnetohydrodynamics
/ˌmæɡ.nə.təʊˌhaɪ.drəʊ.daɪˈnæm.ɪks/ IELTSAcademic
noun
The study of how electric currents and magnetic fields move and control liquids or gases that can conduct electricity, especially plasma. It is used in physics, space science, and engineering.
- Magnetohydrodynamics helps explain solar flares.
- She studied magnetohydrodynamics in graduate school.
- The model uses magnetohydrodynamics to track plasma flow.
Adinary Nuance
Magnetohydrodynamics is not the same as fluid mechanics, because it focuses on electrically conducting fluids. It is also narrower than electromagnetism, which studies electric and magnetic fields more generally. Use this word when you mean the combined effect of motion, electricity, and magnetism in a fluid.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- thủy động lực từ
- Spanish
- magnetohidrodinámica
- Chinese
- 磁流体动力学
- Japanese
- 電磁流体力学
- Korean
- 자기유체역학
Etymology
It comes from magneto-, hydro-, and dynamics, from Greek roots meaning magnet, water, and movement. The term became common in 20th-century physics.
Common phrases
MHD equationsMHD flowMHD simulationMHD generator
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is magnetohydrodynamics a common word?
- No, it is a technical word used in science and engineering.
- What is the short form of magnetohydrodynamics?
- The short form is MHD.
- Is magnetohydrodynamics the same as fluid dynamics?
- No. Fluid dynamics is broader and does not require magnetism or electrical conductivity.
- Where is magnetohydrodynamics used?
- It is used in plasma science, astrophysics, and some engineering systems.