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

While McCarty notes that some studies have linked magnesium supplements to lower odds of short sleep duration and to modest improvements in sleep-onset latency in certain populations, McCarty cautions that the overall research remains mixed. —Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 2 June 2026

In response, Wave Texturizing Mist reimagines the ingredient altogether, opting instead for sea salt rich in magnesium, calcium, and potassium to create structure without brittleness. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 June 2026

However, impaired kidney function can increase the risk of magnesium accumulating in the body. —Jennifer Berger, Verywell Health, 1 June 2026

This colorful salt has very small amounts of iron, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. —Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 30 May 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