The Standard Electrical Dictionary

1. Magnetic Friction

   The damping effect produced on the movements of a mass of metal by proximity to a magnet; the phenomenon illustrated in Arago's wheel, q. v. When a mass of metal moves in the vicinity of a magnet it cuts the lines of force emanating from its poles, thereby producing currents in its mass; as the production of these currents absorbs energy a damping effect is produced upon the movements of the mass.