1. a pair of equal and opposite electric charges or magnetic poles separated by a small distance
Usage: physics
2. an antenna consisting of two metal rods or wires extending in opposite directions
Usage: electronics

Examples

• Water molecules are dipoles because oxygen attracts electrons more strongly than hydrogen.
• The electric dipole creates a field that decreases rapidly with distance.
• A magnetic dipole has both north and south poles.
• The radio station uses a dipole antenna for broadcasting.
• The dipole antenna is oriented horizontally for better reception.
• Scientists measured the dipole moment of the molecule in the lab.