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

Some electrolytes include calcium, magnesium, potassium, and salt (sodium). —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 18 July 2025

Chickpeas are rich in fiber, B vitamins, and magnesium, all of which contribute to better sleep quality and metabolic health. —Dr. Samanta Dall’agnese, CNBC, 18 July 2025

This interaction allows the magnesium ion to act as a sort of receiver for the aluminum ion. —New Atlas, 18 July 2025

Ginger also provides small but beneficial amounts of vitamin C, magnesium and potassium – all of which play key roles in immune function, muscle activity and blood pressure regulation, says Donelan. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 17 July 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