The Collaborative International Dictionary
magnetic needle \magnetic needle\ n. A slender magnet suspended in a magnetic compass on a low-friction mounting; used to indicate the direction of the earth's magnetic pole.
WordNet
n. a slender magnet suspended in a magnetic compass on a mounting with little friction; used to indicate the direction of the earth's magnetic pole
Usage examples of "magnetic needle".
If it be true that the iron masses were thus imbedded, like plums in an astral pudding, the hypothetic buried star might have great size and yet only small power to attract the magnetic needle.
But in actuality, when the dear uterine relatives come, I am as free as a bird and darting to and fro like a magnetic needle.
No longer acting upon the magnetic needle, I was allowed to participate further in the deliberations.
The magnetic needle didn't quiver once to indicate a hidden magnetic switch or mass proximity fuse.