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

These include lithium, magnesium, manganese, cobalt and rare earth elements that are essential for electronics and clean energy. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026

Too much supplemental magnesium can cause side effects and interact with certain medications. — Kirstyn Hill, Health, 14 July 2026

In addition to supplements, magnesium is found in foods such as nuts, seeds, beans, whole grains, and leafy greens. — Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 13 July 2026

These minerals include aluminium oxide, iron, magnesium silicate, manganese sulfide, potassium chloride, sodium sulfide and zinc sulfide. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 13 July 2026

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