English Reference

Word

magnesium

Phoneticsmag·ne·sium

US/mæɡˈniziəm/

UK/mæɡnˈiːziəm/

Uncountable noun

Definition

n. a silver-white metal that is very light and burns with a bright white light. It is an important mineral that your body needs to stay healthy.

n. a light, silvery-white metallic element of the alkaline earth group. It is essential to plant and animal life and is used in lightweight alloys and pyrotechnics.

Examples

“Magnesium is found in many green vegetables.”

“The doctor suggested taking a magnesium supplement to help with the patient's recurring muscle cramps.”

“In the aerospace industry, magnesium is often alloyed with aluminum to create components that are exceptionally strong yet light enough to improve fuel efficiency.”

Examples

simple

“Magnesium is found in many green vegetables.”

contextual

“The doctor suggested taking a magnesium supplement to help with the patient's recurring muscle cramps.”

complex

“In the aerospace industry, magnesium is often alloyed with aluminum to create components that are exceptionally strong yet light enough to improve fuel efficiency.”

Usage

Usually uncountable when referring to the chemical element or dietary mineral; can be countable when referring to specific chemical doses or types of alloys.

Real-World Examples

“As rainwater and groundwater slowly dissolve minerals such as olivine (an iron-magnesium silicate), magnesium released from the rock reacts with carbon dioxide to form stable carbon-bearing minerals.”
Phys.org 14 Aug 2026
“Sargassum is rich in organic matter, potassium, calcium, magnesium and trace elements.”
The Conversation 28 Jul 2026

Etymology

From New Latin magnēsium, from Ancient Greek μαγνησία (magnēsía), after Μαγνησία (Magnēsía, “Magnesia”), a region in Thessaly. Coined by British chemist Humphry Davy, as a modification of his original suggestion, magnium.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Frequent
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

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