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’s made with magnesium flakes to slough away debris, dead skin cells, and other buildup to get you the smoothest surface. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2026

Finally, there’s magnesium, a mineral known for calming the nervous system and relaxing muscles. — Mura Dominko, Martha Stewart, 9 Aug. 2026

Sutherland further emphasizes this point, saying that calcium and magnesium in hard water can be absorbed into the cotton, making the towels stiff and irritating. — Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026

Nutritional deficiencies, such as low levels of vitamin D, calcium, or magnesium, can weaken teeth and gums, leading to sensitivity. — Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 5 Aug. 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