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Glite Dictionary
magnesium oxide

magnesium oxide

4.6
A white solid used as a source of magnesium, in heat-resistant materials, and as a health supplement
  • noun
  • /mæɡˈniːziəm ˈɑksaɪd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : óxido de magnesio
  • Doctors may prescribe magnesium oxide as a dietary supplement to treat magnesium deficiency.

Examples

  • The chemical formula for magnesium oxide is MgO.

  • The refractory bricks are made using magnesium oxide for its high melting point.

  • Industrial processes often use magnesium oxide to remove sulfur from flue gases.

  • Many industries use magnesium oxide for its refractory properties.

  • Doctors may prescribe magnesium oxide as a dietary supplement to treat magnesium deficiency.

  • Industrial processes often use magnesium oxide to remove sulfur from flue gases.

  • Many industries use magnesium oxide for its refractory properties.

Synonyms

magnesia
vsmagnesium oxide
  • Specialized
3 8.4

A white mineral used to treat indigestion and in industry

focuses on industrial use and does not mention medical use
periclase
vsmagnesium oxide
  • Specialized
9.9

A white mineral made of magnesium oxide used to get magnesium

is the broader term for the white odorless solid used mainly in industry

Surface Forms

magnesium oxide singular
magnesium oxides plural

Morphology

magnesium + oxide

The meaning 'a compound of magnesium and oxygen' is directly and compositionally derived from 'magnesium' (the metal) + 'oxide' (a compound with oxygen). Chemical naming patterns like this are regular and cross-linguistically transparent, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

The name magnesium oxide comes from the metal magnesium and the word oxide, which means 'combined with oxygen'. So, it refers to the white, hard mineral made when magnesium joins oxygen.