magnesium

noun

mag·​ne·​sium mag-ˈnē-zē-əm 

-zhəm

: a silver-white malleable ductile light metallic element that occurs abundantly in nature and is used in metallurgical and chemical processes, in photography, signaling, and pyrotechnics because of the intense white light it produces on burning, and in construction especially in the form of light alloys see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of magnesium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are several other sleep aids available like diphenhydramine and magnesium. —Patty Weasler, Rn, Bsn, Verywell Health, 8 Feb. 2025

More than half of people with type 2 diabetes in the Americas may be deficient in essential nutrients like vitamin D, magnesium, and vitamin B12, a new study found. —Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 6 Feb. 2025

Dry them thoroughly with a clean microfiber cloth to prevent hard water from drying on them again, leaving behind trace amounts of calcium and magnesium, and starting the cloudy process again. —Heather Bien, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2025

One cup of raw kale, for instance, contains protein, fiber, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and especially high amounts of calcium and potassium, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 3 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from magnesia

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing magnesium

• magnesium carbonate
• magnesium chloride
• magnesium hydroxide
• magnesium oxide
• magnesium sulfate

Kids Definition

magnesium

noun

mag·​ne·​sium mag-ˈnē-zē-əm 

-zhəm

: a silver-white metallic element that is light and easily worked, burns with a dazzling light, and is used in making lightweight alloys see element

Medical Definition

magnesium

noun

mag·​ne·​sium mag-ˈnē-zē-əm  -zhəm 

: a silver-white light malleable ductile metallic element that occurs abundantly in nature (as in bones and seeds and in the form of chlorophyll in the green parts of plants) and is used in metallurgical and chemical processes, in photography, in signaling, and in the manufacture of pyrotechnics because of the intense white light it produces on burning, and in construction especially in the form of light alloys

—symbol Mg see Chemical Elements Table