An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

An object that produces a magnetic field around itself.

Etymology (EN): From L. magnetum (nom. magnes) “lodestone,” from Gk. ho Magnes lithos “the Magnesian stone,” from Magnesia region in Thessaly where magnetized ore was obtained.

Etymology (PE): Âhanrobâ, literally “iron attracting, iron robbing,” from âhan→ iron + robâ agent noun of robudan, robâyidan “to attract, to grab, rob;” Av. urūpaiieinti “to cause racking pain(?);” cf. Skt. rop- “to suffer from abdominal pain,” rurupas “to cause violent pain,” ropaná- “causing racking pain,” rópi- “racking pain;” L. rumpere “to break;” O.E. reofan “to break, tear.”
Meqnâtis, from Ar., from Gk., as above.