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

Black beans are also high in vitamins and minerals, like folate, copper, iron, magnesium, and potassium. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 22 June 2026

Along with that, micronutrients such as iron and magnesium become more readily available for the hydrangea. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 22 June 2026

While low iron, magnesium, or other trace nutrients may also cause yellowing, nitrogen is a primary nutrient and is the most likely culprit. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2026

Canned pumpkin is also rich in magnesium, another mineral that plays a role in blood pressure regulation, Blake added. —Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 21 June 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