An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The strength of an external → magnetic field that brings to zero the → magnetic flux density of a magnetic material when that field is caused to operate in the opposite direction from the orientation of the → magnetization of the material. Also called coercivity. Coercive force is a measure of the magnetization of a → ferromagnetic material. It is usually measured in the units of → oersted or ampere/m.

See also: → coercive; → force.