magnesium

[mag-nee-zee-uhm, -zhuhm, -shee-uhm]

noun

Chemistry.

1. a light, ductile, silver-white, metallic element that burns with a dazzling white light, used in lightweight alloys, flares, fireworks, in the manufacture of flashbulbs, optical mirrors, and precision instruments, and as a zinc substitute in batteries. Mg; 24.312; 12; 1.74 at 20°C.

magnesium

/ mæɡˈniːzɪəm /

noun

1. a light silvery-white metallic element of the alkaline earth series that burns with an intense white flame, occurring principally in magnesite, dolomite, and carnallite: used in light structural alloys, flashbulbs, flares, and fireworks. Symbol: Mg; atomic no: 12; atomic wt: 24.3050; valency: 2; relative density: 1.738; melting pt: 650°C; boiling pt: 1090°C

magnesium

1. A lightweight, moderately hard, silvery-white metallic element of the alkaline-earth group that burns with an intense white flame. It is an essential component of chlorophyll and is used in lightweight alloys, flash photography, and fireworks. Atomic number 12; atomic weight 24.305; melting point 649°C; boiling point 1,090°C; specific gravity 1.74 (at 20°C); valence 2.

2. See Periodic Table

Word History and Origins

Origin of magnesium¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1800–10; magnesia, -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of magnesium¹

C19: New Latin, from _magnesia

Example Sentences

As anyone over 30 will attest, sleep can be elusive and trendy supplements from magnesium to melatonin only do so much.

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Their model indicates that over billions of years, elements such as silicon and magnesium gradually escaped from the core into the mantle.

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The stars within these clusters display unusual chemical compositions, with unexpected levels of elements such as helium, nitrogen, oxygen, sodium, magnesium, and aluminum.

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Adding iron and magnesium helped fill the gaps between copper particles, effectively preventing clumping and improving heat resistance.

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Workers in hazmat suits carefully weigh out magnesium citrate - a compound made by mixing the mineral with citric acid - into shiny, steel containers.

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