Magnesium

16 definitions retrieved

Magnesium \Mag*ne"si*um\, n. [NL. & F. See Magnesia.] (Chem.)
A light silver-white metallic element of atomic number 12,
malleable and ductile, quite permanent in dry air but
tarnishing in moist air. It burns, forming (the oxide)
magnesia, with the production of a blinding light (the
so-called magnesium light) which is used in signaling, in
pyrotechny, or in photography where a strong actinic
illuminant is required. Its compounds occur abundantly, as in
dolomite, talc, meerschaum, etc. Symbol Mg. Atomic weight,

24.305. Specific gravity, 1.75.
[1913 Webster]

Magnesium sulphate. (Chem.) Same as Epsom salts.
[1913 Webster]

magnesium
n 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) [syn: magnesium,
Mg, atomic number 12]

magnesium
Symbol: Mg
Atomic number: 12
Atomic weight: 24.312
Silvery metallic element belonging to group 2 of the periodic table
(alkaline-earth metals). It is essential for living organisms, and is used
in a number of light alloys. Chemically very reactive, it forms a
protective oxide coating when exposed to air and burns with an intense
white flame. It also reacts with sulphur, nitrogen and the halogens. First
isolated by Bussy in 1828.