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 Hard water is water that has a high mineral content, particularly in calcium and magnesium levels. —

Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2023 What This Means For You Both cow’s milk and fortified soy milk are good sources of calcium, protein, potassium, and magnesium. —

Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2023 The dose of magnesium in Testofuel, 70mg, is sufficient to prevent deficiency and ensure the body has enough magnesium to maintain free testosterone levels. —

Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 Oct. 2023 The hot pools are between 99 and 112 degrees and have 32 minerals, including magnesium, calcium, lithium, and iron. —

Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2023 That includes running vehicles on synthetic diesel, creating steel, and even steel alternatives like magnesium and zinc. —

Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2023 More than 15 minerals (including calcium, sulfur, and magnesium) are found in the natural springs, and the pool temperatures generally hover around 98 degrees Fahrenheit. —

Liz Cantrell, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 2023 Key Takeaways The nutrition profile of avocados—like their high magnesium and potassium content—is particularly beneficial to people trying to manage or prevent type 2 diabetes. —

Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2023 Joining the reishi mushrooms, touted for their ability to combat depression and fatigue, in the squares of organic, fair-trade semisweet chocolate are chamomile, L-Theanine, magnesium and zinc, all ingredients intended to promote healthy sleep patterns. —

Adam Tschorn, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'magnesium.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Magnesium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnesium. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.

Copy Citation

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