# manganese

/ˈmæŋɡəˌniz/ (US) · /mˈæŋɡənˌiːz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/manganese
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. the chemical element

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a hard, grey metal element used in industry, especially to make steel stronger.

For teachers: a transition metal element (atomic number 25) essential in industrial metallurgy for its ability to deoxidize and desulfurize steel.

- The factory uses manganese to make the steel parts more durable.
- Manganese is an indispensable component in the production of stainless steel, providing essential resistance to corrosion and mechanical wear.

Usage: Uncountable when referring to the element or the metal in bulk.

Teaching tip: While a C1/C2 word in general English, it is a basic term in chemistry and metallurgy contexts.

## Examples

- The factory uses manganese to make stronger steel parts.
- Geologists discovered a large deposit of manganese ore in the mountains, which could provide raw materials for the local battery industry.
- While essential for industrial metallurgy, manganese is also a vital trace mineral for human health, playing a key role in bone formation and the metabolism of carbohydrates and cholesterol.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.