Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Magnetism \Mag"net*ism\, n. [Cf. F. magn['e]tisme.]
   The property, quality, or state, of being magnetic; the
   manifestation of the force in nature which is seen in a
   magnet.

   2. The science which treats of magnetic phenomena.

   3. Power of attraction; power to excite the feelings and to
      gain the affections. ``By the magnetism of interest our
      affections are irresistibly attracted.'' --Glanvill.

   {Animal magnetism}, a force, more or less analogous to
      magnetism, which, it has been alleged, is produced in
      animal tissues, and passes from one body to another with
      or without actual contact. The existence of such a force,
      and its potentiality for the cure of disease, were
      asserted by Mesmer in 1775. His theories and methods were
      afterwards called mesmerism, a name which has been
      popularly applied to theories and claims not put forward
      by Mesmer himself. See {Mesmerism}, {Biology}, {Od},
      {Hypnotism}.

   {Terrestrial magnetism}, the magnetic force exerted by the
      earth, and recognized by its effect upon magnetized
      needles and bars.

Source : WordNet®

magnetism
     n 1: attraction for iron; associated with electric currents as
          well as magnets; characterized by fields of force [syn:
          {magnetic attraction}, {magnetic force}]
     2: the branch of science that studies magnetism [syn: {magnetics}]