magnesium

The definition of magnesium is one of the most abundant elements on the face of the Earth.

Facts About Magnesium

  • Magnesium's atomic symbol is Mg and it is the eighth-most plentiful element in the Earth's crust.
  • Its ions are essential in all living things and it is the second-most plentiful ion in seawater.
  • It is never found naturally in its elemental form on Earth because of its reactivity. It is always found combined with other minerals.
  • Over a hundred different minerals hold magnesium. Magnesium silicate is found in talc, which is used commonly in body powders and as lubricants.
  • Muscle and nerve function depend upon magnesium, as does heartbeat, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure.
  • It gives off a bright light when burned and is used in pyrotechnics such as fireworks, flares, and incendiary bombs.
  • An important use of magnesium is preventing corrosion of steel and iron, such as in pipelines and the bottom of ships.
(noun)

An example of magnesium is a mineral found in dark green vegetables, peas, almonds, whole grains, potatoes and avocados.

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See magnesium in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a lightweight, silver-white, malleable and ductile, metallic chemical element, one of the alkaline-earth metals, used in making several alloys and, because it burns with a hot, white light, in photographic flashbulbs, incendiary bombs, etc.: symbol, Mg; at. no., 12

Origin: ModL < magnesia

See magnesium in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun Symbol Mg
A light, silvery-white, moderately hard metallic element that in ribbon or powder form burns with a brilliant white flame. It is used in structural alloys, pyrotechnics, flash photography, and incendiary bombs. Atomic number 12; atomic weight 24.305; melting point 649°C; boiling point 1,090°C; specific gravity 1.74 (at 20°C); valence 2. See Table at element.

Origin:

Origin: From magnesia

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