Definition

A light, silvery-white metal that is used in various applications like construction, photography, and fireworks. It burns with a bright white flame and is found in nature.

Example

Magnesium is often used in fireworks to create bright flashes of light.

Conversation

I heard that magnesium is really important for our health.

Yeah, it helps with muscle function and energy production.

I need to make sure I'm getting enough magnesium in my diet.

Definitely! You can find it in nuts and leafy greens.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Magnesium** → The word is derived from 'magnesia' (from Greek 'magnesia', meaning a region in Thessaly, Greece, known for its mineral deposits) and the suffix '-ium' (a common suffix used in chemistry to denote metallic elements). Thus, magnesium refers to the metallic element named after the region where it was first identified.

Memory Tip

Think of the region 'magnesia' in Greece, where this metallic element was discovered, to remember that magnesium is named after that place.

Visually Confused Words