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magnesium
Definition
Magnesium is a chemical element with the symbol Mg and atomic number 12. It is a silvery-white, lightweight metal that is the eighth most abundant element in the Earth's crust. Magnesium is a very reactive element and it can easily burn in air.
Magnesium is important for many biological processes, such as muscle contraction and nerve transmission. It is also used in a variety of industrial applications, such as making light bulbs and aeroplanes.
How can the word be used?
The magnesium alloy is strong and lightweight.
Different forms of the word
Noun: A chemical element with the symbol Mg and atomic number 12. It is a light, silvery-white metal that is the eighth most abundant element in the Earth's crust.
Adjective: Describing something that contains magnesium. For example, you could say "magnesium alloy" or "magnesium sulfate".
Verb: To treat something with magnesium. For example, you could say "The doctor magnesiumed the patient's leg" or "The farmer magnesiumed the soil".
Etymology
The word "magnesium" comes from the Latin word "magna silex", which means "great stone". This is a reference to the fact that magnesium is often found in the form of magnesium oxide, which is a white, powdery substance.
The word "magnesium" was first used in English in the 17th century. It was originally used to describe the metal magnesium, but it soon came to be used in a more general sense to describe anything that contained magnesium.
Question
What is magnesium?