Definition

1. Noun:
   • A unit of mass: "mg" is an abbreviation for "milligram," which is a metric unit of mass equal to one thousandth (1/1000) of a gram.
   • A chemical element: "Mg" is the chemical symbol for the element magnesium, a light, silver-white, bivalent metallic element.

Usage

• As a unit of mass (milligram): Used in scientific, medical, and nutritional contexts to measure very small masses.
  • The doctor prescribed a 500 mg dose of the medication.
  • This supplement contains 100 mg of vitamin C.
• As a chemical symbol (magnesium): Used in chemistry, physics, and material science to represent the element.
  • Mg is an essential element for human nutrition.
  • The alloy is composed of aluminum and Mg.

Advanced Usage

• In compound units: Often combined with other units or prefixes in scientific notation.
  • The concentration was measured in mg/L (milligrams per liter).
• In chemical formulas: Appears in formulas for compounds.
  • Magnesium oxide has the formula MgO.

Variants and Related Words

• Milligram (n): The full word for the unit of mass abbreviated as "mg."
• Magnesium (n): The full name of the chemical element with the symbol "Mg."

Synonyms

• For the unit: No direct synonym, but it is a subdivision of the gram.
• For the element: No direct synonym; it is a specific element name.

Notes on Usage

• Capitalization: When referring to the chemical element, the symbol "Mg" is typically written with a capital 'M' and lowercase 'g'. When referring to the unit "mg", it is typically written in all lowercase letters. However, in many practical contexts (e.g., medicine), "mg" for the unit is very common and accepted.
• Context is key: The meaning is entirely dependent on the context (scientific/medical vs. chemical).

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)
2. one thousandth (1/1,000) gram