Definition of "multipole" [multipole]

• Any of a several forms of static or oscillating distributions of charge or magnetization (noun)

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• "On the macroscopic scale, for most problems in celestial mechanics, Newtons theory of gravity, supplemented by treating relativistic effects as a small (very small) perturbation and irregularities in the mass distribution of gravitating bodies as multipole effects works extremely well."
• "This can be seen everywhere from low plasma processes (where neutrals are accelerated by the rf variation of the plasma) to atmospheres (where I hear the Mars atmosphere expulsion gets a significant boost by its distorted multipole field as magnetic "pockets" are sheared off into space – Mars partial field is not protecting the atmosphere as Earth's full dipole, it is "pumping" it)."
• "The heliospheric current sheet results in higher order multipole components so that the actual magnetic field at the Earth due to the Sun is 100 times greater."