A magnetized sample of a ferromagnetic material, such as steel, that possesses high retentivity and is stable against reasonable handling. It requires a definite demagnetizing flux in order to destroy the residual magnetism. A simple magnet consists of a single bar, which can be horseshoe shaped, of the material. A compound magnet has several suitably shaped bars or laminations fastened together. See also ferromagnetism; magnetic hysteresis.