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mag

n.
US //ˈmæɡ// mag
  1. 1 magazine (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    a short, informal word for a magazine.

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

  2. 2 magnitude (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    a measure of how bright a star or planet is.

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

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  1. 3 car wheel (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

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

    an ellipsis of 'mag wheel', referring to automotive wheels originally made from magnesium alloy, now used for various alloy wheels.

    Example

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

    Example

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

  2. 4 magnesium (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

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