English Reference

Word

mag

/ˈmæɡ/

Definitions

01magazine

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Informal

n. a short, informal word for a magazine.

n. a clipping of magazine, used in informal registers to refer to periodical publications.

“I bought a fashion mag at the airport to read during the flight.”

“The editor decided to relaunch the indie mag as a digital-only platform to save on rising print and distribution costs.”

02magnitude

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical

n. a measure of how bright a star or planet is.

n. a clipping of magnitude, specifically referring to the brightness of a celestial object on a logarithmic scale.

“The star has a mag of 2.5, making it easy to see with the naked eye.”

“Astronomers noted that the supernova reached a peak mag of -4.0, briefly outshining every other object in the night sky except the moon.”

03car wheel

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal

n. a type of expensive, shiny metal wheel on a car.

n. an ellipsis of 'mag wheel', referring to automotive wheels originally made from magnesium alloy, now used for various alloy wheels.

“He spent all his savings on a new set of mags for his car.”

“The vintage sports car was restored to its original glory, complete with polished mags and period-correct racing tyres.”

Synonyms

04magnesium

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical

n. a short name for the metal magnesium, often used in car parts or science.

n. a clipping of magnesium, frequently used in industrial, automotive, or chemical contexts.

“The engine block is made of a mag alloy to keep the weight down.”

“The laboratory technician ordered a fresh supply of mag ribbon for the undergraduate combustion experiments.”

Synonyms

Word family

NOUN

mag(B1)

Domains

AstronomyLawMedicineMusic

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference