hysteresis

hys·ter·e·sis

noun \ˌhis-tə-ˈrē-səs\

plural hys·ter·e·ses\-ˌsēz\

Definition of HYSTERESIS

: a retardation of an effect when the forces acting upon a body are changed (as if from viscosity or internal friction); especially : a lagging in the values of resulting magnetization in a magnetic material (as iron) due to a changing magnetizing force

— hys·ter·et·ic \-ˈre-tik\ adjective

Origin of HYSTERESIS

New Latin, from Greek hysterēsis shortcoming, from hysterein to be late, fall short, from hysteros later — more at out

First Known Use: 1881

Other Physics Terms

amplitude, centrifugal, centripetal, convection, gradient, kinetic, lase, quantum