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

In order to create colorful fireworks, the explosives may contain metals such as copper, potassium, strontium, barium, magnesium or aluminum, according to previous Bee reporting. —Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 11 Aug. 2025

Though similarly named, the current model isn't quite a convertible version of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13, opting for aluminum instead of carbon fiber and magnesium, and weighing significantly more (2.97 pounds versus the Carbon’s 2.17 pounds). —Charles Jefferies, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2025

Sweet potatoes also offer a range of other nutrients, including manganese, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin C – minerals and vitamins that contribute to immunity, bone health, brain development and collagen production. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2025

These natural springs are magnesium, salt, and potassium-rich, which have the properties of relieving sore muscles, enhancing the flow of blood, and benefiting skin, and make the person relax deeply. —Shelby Knick, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025

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