Definition

Noun: - A medicinal preparation that is a milky-white, liquid suspension of magnesium hydroxide. It is primarily used as a laxative to relieve constipation and, when taken in smaller doses, as an antacid to neutralize stomach acid and relieve indigestion or heartburn.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • For occasional constipation, some people use milk of magnesia.
  • The doctor recommended a teaspoon of milk of magnesia to soothe the acid reflux.

Advanced Usage

• "to take milk of magnesia": This is the standard phrase for using this medication.
  • He had to take milk of magnesia before the medical procedure.

Variants and Related Words

• Magnesium hydroxide (n): This is the active chemical compound in milk of magnesia.
• Laxative (n): A general term for a substance that relieves constipation.
• Antacid (n): A general term for a substance that counteracts stomach acidity.

Synonyms

• Laxative
• Antacid (in the context of its acid-neutralizing use)
• Magnesia magma (a technical/archaic term)

Related Phrases

• Over-the-counter remedy: Milk of magnesia is typically available without a prescription.

Noun

1. purgative consisting of a milky white liquid suspension of magnesium hydroxide; used as a laxative and (in smaller doses) as an antacid