magics

1. 1
   noun

   Plural of magic.

   Fantasy novels often invent elaborate magics, each with its own rules.

   The two rival magics clashed in a sudden burst of light.

   Note

   A plural that exists only because magic can sometimes be counted. Most uses of the noun are mass uses: the practice, the forces it draws on, an enchanting quality. Those take no -s. The plural belongs to the countable uses, meaning particular spells, rituals or magical abilities considered one by one. So the magic of the evening stays singular, while magics suits talk of several distinct kinds or workings.

2. 2
   verb

   Third-person singular simple present of magic.

   He magics the spilled milk away before anyone even notices.

   With a flick of her wand, she magics the carriage into a pumpkin.

   Note

   The verb takes a direct object: someone magics something, never simply magics. The "as if" in its meaning does real work. It covers a wizard turning a carriage into a pumpkin, and equally a host who seems to produce dinner from nothing. Don't confuse it with the plural noun spelled the same way. Here the -s marks he, she or it, not more than one.

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