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

/ măg-nē′zē-əm /

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

Ribosomes are dependent upon magnesium ions since this metal cation helps stabilize their structure and function.

From Science Daily

Marco Zucconi, Chargers director of player health, wellness and performance, gave the coach an IV and magnesium to treat his condition.

From Los Angeles Times

Today’s battery technology — necessary for electric vehicles and energy storage — relies on minerals including cobalt, magnesium, nickel and graphite.

From Los Angeles Times

It used magnesium oxide boards, which do not burn, during testing and did not reveal this in marketing literature.

From BBC

But the scientists detected magnesium, which they believe was from deep inside the Moon, thrown up from the crash and propelled over the surface.

From BBC