magnetic head

noun

an electromagnet (as on a tape recorder) that converts electrical variations into magnetic variations that can be stored on a surface and later retrieved

• Hypernyms: ↑electromagnet

• Part Holonyms: ↑tape recorder, ↑tape machine

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noun

: an electromagnet used in magnetic recording for converting electrical signals into a magnetic record on tape or wire, converting a magnetic recording into electrical signals, or erasing a magnetic recording

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Electronics.

head (def. 33).

[1945-50]

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magnetic head,

a device in a recording apparatus for converting electrical impulses into magnetic impulses, for changing stored magnetic impulses back to electrical impulses, or for erasing such impulses already converted or stored, as in a tape or wire recorder.