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

Adequate magnesium levels may help improve insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake, potentially reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes in women with PCOS. —Team Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 14 Jan. 2026

The healthiest bread for blood pressure is one that provides higher levels of nutrients known to support healthy blood pressure levels, such as fiber and magnesium. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 13 Jan. 2026

Sea moss contains iron and magnesium, both of which can help combat fatigue. —Tracy Achonwa, Vogue, 5 Jan. 2026

Even waste seaweed, rich in micronutrients such as iodine, iron, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids, has its uses; the Banyan Tree Veya Phuket and JW Marriott Khao Lak in Thailand both recycle flotsam into fertilisers and animal feed. —Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Jan. 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