magnat

Magnat is a term used in several European languages to denote a person of great wealth and influence, comparable to the English magnate or tycoon. In German and Polish, magnat is a common noun for a powerful businessperson or landowner; the word has also circulated in other languages to describe leading figures in industry and society. The etymology traces back to Latin magnus, "great," via medieval Latin magnatus and Old French magnat, with the sense of "great lord" or "powerful person." In English, the standard term is magnate, though magnat occurs in historical or stylistic usage.

The word appears in historical contexts to refer to prominent industrialists, financiers, or rulers who wield significant economic or political power, often tied to a particular sector such as railways, mining, or media. Magnates can be founders, owners, or managers whose actions influence markets and public life.

In modern commerce, Magnat is also a brand name used by a German audio equipment manufacturer known for loudspeakers and related audio products. Magnat operates in consumer electronics and audio markets worldwide. The term can also be encountered as a surname in various European countries.