The Collaborative International Dictionary
magnetic levitation \magnetic levitation\ n. The process of supporting an object, such as a vehicle, with a magnetic field so that it does not contact the object supporting it; it is a method used for eliminating friction in moving vehicles, and is used, e.g. in high-speed rail technology where a train is suspended on a magnetic cushion above a magnetized track and so travels free of friction.
Wiktionary
n. a method of supporting and transporting objects and vehicles by using a magnetic field to counterbalance the gravitational pull
WordNet
n. high-speed rail technology; train is suspended on a magnetic cushion above a magnetized track and so travels free of friction [syn: maglev]
Wikipedia
Magnetic levitation, maglev, or magnetic suspension is a method by which an object is suspended with no support other than magnetic fields. Magnetic force is used to counteract the effects of the gravitational acceleration and any other accelerations.
The two primary issues involved in magnetic levitation are lifting forces: providing an upward force sufficient to counteract gravity, and stability: ensuring that the system does not spontaneously slide or flip into a configuration where the lift is neutralized.
Magnetic levitation is used for maglev trains, contactless melting, magnetic bearings and for product display purposes.