magnetostriction

mag·ne·to·stric·tion  (mg-nt-strkshn)

n.

Deformation of a ferromagnetic material subjected to a magnetic field.

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[magneto- + (con)striction.]

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mag·neto·strictive adj.

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magnetostriction  (mg-nt-r-strkshn)

The change in shape and density of a substance, especially a ferromagnetic substance, when exposed to a magnetic field. The change depends on the direction and strength of the magnetic field. Rapid, alternating magnetostriction causes the iron cores of household transformers, which are subject to a changing magnetic field, to hum or buzz.