Dictionary:Ferromagnetic

(fe rō’mag n∂, tik) Having positive and relatively large susceptibility and generally large hysteresis and remanence. In ferromagnetic materials the atoms interact and atomic magnetic moments couple so that groups of atoms (domains) behave collectively and orient in a parallel configuration. As the temperature of such materials rises to the Curie point, the thermal energy of the atoms becomes sufficient to overcome the coupling energy and the material behaves paramagnetically. See also diamagnetic and paramagnetic.