magnesium

noun

mag·​ne·​sium mag-ˈnē-zē-əm How to pronounce magnesium (audio)
-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
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Key Takeaways Quinoa may help lower blood pressure by providing nutrients like magnesium, potassium, and beta-glucan fiber. Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 16 June 2026 Previous observations with the Hubble Space Telescope also found evidence that magnesium and iron were escaping from the planet's atmosphere, likely driven by intense ultraviolet radiation from its host star. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 16 June 2026 Current phase-specific guidance points to iron-rich foods during menstruation to replace losses, lighter liver-supporting foods in the follicular phase, anti-inflammatory foods in the luteal phase and magnesium and B6 in the late luteal phase for PMS support. Allison Palmer updated June 13, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2026 Eating guidance for cycle syncing focuses on iron during menstruation, lighter foods in the follicular phase, anti-inflammatory choices in the luteal phase and magnesium and B6 in the late luteal stretch for PMS support. Allison Palmer updated June 13, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for magnesium

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from magnesia

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of magnesium was in 1812

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Magnesium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnesium. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

magnesium

noun
mag·​ne·​sium mag-ˈnē-zē-əm How to pronounce magnesium (audio)
-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 How to pronounce magnesium (audio) -zhəm How to pronounce magnesium (audio)
: 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

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