Definition

1. Noun:
   • A chemical element: Magnesium is a lightweight, silver-white metallic element that is bivalent (forms +2 ions) and ductile. It burns with a brilliant white flame in pure form and occurs naturally only in chemical compounds within minerals.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Magnesium is essential for many biological processes in the human body.
  • The bright white flare contained pure magnesium.
  • This supplement is rich in magnesium and calcium.

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Scientific Context: In chemistry and materials science, "magnesium" refers specifically to the element with atomic number 12 and symbol Mg.
  • The alloy's strength comes from the addition of magnesium.
• Biological/Medical Context: Often discussed as a vital dietary mineral.
  • A deficiency in magnesium can lead to muscle cramps.

Variants and Related Words

• Magnesite (n): A mineral that is a source of magnesium carbonate.
• Dolomite (n): A type of rock containing calcium magnesium carbonate.
• Magnesium oxide (n): A compound of magnesium and oxygen (MgO), also known as magnesia.

Synonyms

• Element 12: Referring to its atomic number.
• Mg: Its chemical symbol (used as a shorthand in formulas and technical writing).

Related Phrases

• Magnesium ribbon: A thin strip of magnesium metal used in laboratory demonstrations.
  • The teacher ignited the magnesium ribbon to show the bright combustion.
• Magnesium deficiency: A condition where the body lacks sufficient magnesium.
  • The doctor diagnosed her with a magnesium deficiency.

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)