paramagnetic adj.

before vowels, par-, word-forming element, originally in Greek-derived words, meaning "alongside, beyond; altered; contrary; irregular, abnormal," from Greek para- from para (prep.) "beside, near; issuing from; against, contrary to," from PIE *prea, from root *per- (1) "forward," hence "toward, near; against." Cognate with Old English for- "off, away." Mostly used in scientific and technical words; not usually regarded as a naturalized formative element in English.

1610s, literal but poetic (Donne), "having the properties of a magnet;" it is attested from 1630s in the figurative meaning "having powers of attraction" (but Donne's conceit also had that in mind), from Modern Latin magneticus, from Latin magnes (see magnet). The meaning "capable of being attracted by a magnet" is by 1837. Related: Magnetical (1580s); magnetics "the science of magnetism" (1786).

She, that should all parts to reunion bow ;

She, that had all magnetic force alone

To draw and fasten sunder'd parts in one ;

She, whom wise Nature had invented then,

When she observ'd that every sort of men

Did in their voyage, in this world's sea, stray,

And needed a new compass for their way ;

[Donne, "An Anatomy of the World"]