magnesium

[ mag-nee-zee-uh m, -zhuh m, -shee-uh m ]
/ mægˈni zi əm, -ʒəm, -ʃi əm /

noun Chemistry.

a light, ductile, silver-white, metallic element that burns with a dazzling white light, used in lightweight alloys, flares, fireworks, in the manufacture of flashbulbs, optical mirrors, and precision instruments, and as a zinc substitute in batteries. Symbol: Mg; atomic weight: 24.312; atomic number: 12; specific gravity: 1.74 at 20°C.

Origin of magnesium

From New Latin, dating back to 1800–10; see origin at magnesia, -ium

Words nearby magnesium

magnanimity, magnanimous, magnate, magnesia, magnesite, magnesium, magnesium arsenate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium light, magnesium oxide

Example sentences from the Web for magnesium

British Dictionary definitions for magnesium

magnesium
/ (mæɡˈniːzɪəm) /

noun

a light silvery-white metallic element of the alkaline earth series that burns with an intense white flame, occurring principally in magnesite, dolomite, and carnallite: used in light structural alloys, flashbulbs, flares, and fireworks. Symbol: Mg; atomic no: 12; atomic wt: 24.3050; valency: 2; relative density: 1.738; melting pt: 650°C; boiling pt: 1090°C

Word Origin for magnesium

C19: New Latin, from magnesia

Medical definitions for magnesium

magnesium
[ măg-nē′zē-əm, -zhəm ]

n. Symbol Mg

A light metallic element that burns with a brilliant white flame, used in various analgesic, antiseptic, anticonvulsant, and antacid pharmaceuticals. Atomic number 12.

Scientific definitions for magnesium

magnesium
[ măg-nē′zē-əm ]

Mg

A lightweight, moderately hard, silvery-white metallic element of the alkaline-earth group that burns with an intense white flame. It is an essential component of chlorophyll and is used in lightweight alloys, flash photography, and fireworks. Atomic number 12; atomic weight 24.305; melting point 649°C; boiling point 1,090°C; specific gravity 1.74 (at 20°C); valence 2. See Periodic Table.