magnetic needle
nounUK /mæɡˈnetɪk ˈniːdl/
US /mæɡˈnetɪk ˈniːdl/
A small thin piece of metal that points north because it is pulled by Earth's magnetism.
The magnetic needle in the compass always turns to show us which way is north.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The moving pointer inside a compass that shows direction.
He watched the magnetic needle swing and settle on north.
3. A magnetized sliver of steel used in old scientific instruments.
The scientist suspended a magnetic needle to study Earth's magnetic field.
4. A small magnetized pointer used in some measuring devices.
The gauge's magnetic needle moved when the current changed.