noun
Uncommon
magnesium
mag-NEE-zee-uhm
Magnesium (noun) means a light, silvery-white metallic chemical element (atomic number 12) that burns with an intense white flame. Example: “The fireworks display used magnesium to create a blinding white flash.”
noun
1
A light, silvery-white metallic chemical element (atomic number 12) that burns with an intense white flame.
"The fireworks display used magnesium to create a blinding white flash."
"Bananas and leafy greens are good dietary sources of magnesium."
"A sample of carbon removed from the ocean in the solid form of calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide from UCLA's SeaChange program -- now known as Equatic -- in 2023."
— Laura Paddison, Can this ocean-based carbon plant help save the world? Some scientists are raising red flags (2024)
How to use magnesium
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA lightweight metal used in everything from fireworks to bike frames, and an essential mineral in the diet.
Common pairings
magnesium supplement
magnesium alloy
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like magnesium.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The fireworks display used _____ to create a blinding white flash.
Etymology
From New Latin magnesium, based on Greek Magnēsía, a region in Thessaly; coined by the chemist Humphry Davy, who first isolated it.
Synonyms
View more →
Mg
atomic number 12
Related words
Rhymes for magnesium
See all rhymes for magnesium →Frequently asked questions
What does “magnesium” mean?
The word “magnesium” means a light, silvery-white metallic chemical element (atomic number 12) that burns with an intense white flame. In plain terms, a lightweight metal used in everything from fireworks to bike frames, and an essential mineral in the diet.
How do you pronounce “magnesium”?
“Magnesium” is pronounced mag-NEE-zee-uhm (/ˌmæɡˈnizi.əm/ in IPA).
How do you use “magnesium” in a sentence?
Here is “magnesium” used in a sentence: “The fireworks display used magnesium to create a blinding white flash.”
What part of speech is “magnesium”?
“Magnesium” is a noun.
Where does the word “magnesium” come from?
The word “magnesium” comes from New Latin. From New Latin magnesium, based on Greek Magnēsía, a region in Thessaly; coined by the chemist Humphry Davy, who first isolated it.
Is “magnesium” a common word?
“Magnesium” is an uncommon word in modern English.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include magnesium:
