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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Magnet \Mag"net\ (m[a^]g"n[e^]t), n. [OE. magnete, OF. magnete,
L. magnes, -etis, Gr. Magnh^tis li`qos a magnet, metal that
looked like silver, prop., Magnesian stone, fr. Gr.
Magnhsi`a, a country in Thessaly. Cf. {Magnesia},
{Manganese}.]
1. The loadstone; a species of iron ore (the ferrosoferric or
magnetic ore, {Fe3O4}) which has the property of
attracting iron and some of its ores, and, when freely
suspended, of pointing to the poles; -- called also
{natural magnet}.
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Dinocrates began to make the arched roof of the
temple of Arsino["e] all of magnet, or this
loadstone. --Holland.
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Two magnets, heaven and earth, allure to bliss,
The larger loadstone that, the nearer this.
--Dryden.
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2. (Physics) A bar or mass of steel or iron to which the
peculiar properties of the loadstone have been imparted;
-- called, in distinction from the loadstone, an
{artificial magnet}.
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Note: An artificial magnet, produced by the action of an
electrical current, is called an {electro-magnet}.
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{Field magnet} (Physics & Elec.), a magnet used for producing
and maintaining a magnetic field; -- used especially of
the stationary or exciting magnet of a dynamo or
electromotor in distinction from that of the moving
portion or armature.
[1913 Webster] Magnetic