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

It is unusually oxidized and stripped of elements like magnesium and calcium, a profile that Hurowitz said resembles soils on Earth that have been heavily weathered by long exposure to rain. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2025

Taking magnesium at the same time as some other medications (such as antibiotics or bone-strengthening medications called bisphosphonates) can interfere with their absorption. —Julie Scott, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2025

When an electrical current is applied, lithium ions pass through the barrier while other abundant elements—such as sodium, calcium and magnesium—are left behind. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2025

Studies have found low levels of magnesium in people with mood disorders like anxiety and depression. —Kirstyn Hill, Health, 1 Oct. 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

Rhymes for magnesium

• caesium
• cesium
• trapezium

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