The capacity to sense magnetic fields, especially that of the earth, which is believed to be present in various animals that are capable of navigation.
Origin
1970s. From magneto- + reception. Compare magnetoreceptor.
Definition of magnetoreception in US English:
magnetoreception
nounmaɡˌniːtəʊrɪˈsɛpʃn
Biology
The capacity to sense magnetic fields, especially that of the earth, which is believed to be present in various animals that are capable of navigation.
Origin
1970s. From magneto- + reception. Compare magnetoreceptor.