Definition of: magnet

(mag′nit) noun
1. A lodestone.
2. Any mass of a material capable of attracting magnetic or magnetized bodies. Magnets are natural when, like lodestones, they are found already magnetized, or artificial when magnetism has been given to them by placing them in the field of another magnet or in that caused by an electric current. See ELECTROMAGNET.
3. Figuratively, a person or thing exercising a strong attraction. [<OF magnete <L magnes, magnetis <Gk. Magnēs (lithos) Magnesian (stone), i.e., a magnet <Magnēsia Magnesia (def. 2)]