Defn: A light earthy white substance, consisting of magnesium oxide, and obtained by heating magnesium hydrate or carbonate, or by burning magnesium. It has a slightly alkaline reaction, and is used in medicine as a mild antacid laxative. See Magnesium. Magnesia alba Etym: [L.] (Med. Chem.), a bulky white amorphous substance, consisting of a hydrous basic carbonate of magnesium, and used as a mild cathartic.
MAGNESIAN
Mag*ne"sian, a.
Defn: Pertaining to, characterized by, or containing, magnesia or magnesium. Magnesian limestone. (Min.) See Dolomite.
MAGNESIC
Mag*ne"sic, a. (Chem.)
Defn: Pertaining to, or containing, magnesium; as, magnesic oxide.
MAGNESITE
Mag"ne*site, n. Etym: [Cf. F. magnésite.] (Min.)
Defn: Native magnesium carbonate occurring in white compact or granular masses, and also in rhombohedral crystals.
MAGNESIUM
Mag*ne"si*um, n. Etym: [NL. & F. See Magnesia.] (Chem.)
Defn: A light silver-white metallic element, malleable and ductile, quite permanent in dry air but tarnishing in moist air. It burns, forming (the oxide) magnesia, with the production of a blinding light (the so-called magnesium light) which is used in signaling, in pyrotechny, or in photography where a strong actinic illuminant is required. Its compounds occur abundantly, as in dolomite, talc, meerschaum, etc. Symbol Mg. Atomic weight, 24.4. Specific gravity, 1.75. Magnesium sulphate. (Chem.) Same as Epsom salts.
MAGNET
Mag"net, n. Etym: [OE. magnete, OF. magnete, L. magnes, -etis, Gr.
Magnesia, Manganese.]