Definition

1. Noun:
   • A chemical element: "atomic number 12" is the systematic name for the metallic element magnesium. It refers specifically to the element with 12 protons in its atomic nucleus.
   • A light, reactive metal: It describes a silver-white, bivalent (divalent) metal that is ductile, burns brightly, and is never found in a pure, uncombined state in nature.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The periodic table lists magnesium as atomic number 12.
  • Atomic number 12 is essential for many biological processes.

Advanced Usage

• In scientific contexts: The term "atomic number 12" is used primarily in systematic scientific classification to unambiguously identify the element, especially in formulas, databases, or when discussing periodic trends.
  • The isotope of interest was that of atomic number 12.

Variants and Related Words

• Magnesium (n): The common name for the element with atomic number 12.
  • Magnesium is a key component of chlorophyll.
• Mg (n): The chemical symbol for atomic number 12.
  • The compound's formula is MgO.

Synonyms

• Magnesium: The direct and most common synonym.

Related Phrases

• Element 12: An alternative systematic name.
  • The reactor requires a source of element 12.

Noun

1. a light silver-white ductile bivalent metallic element; in pure form it burns with brilliant white flame; occurs naturally only in combination (as in magnesite and dolomite and carnallite and spinel and olivine)