magnesia

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: mag=ne=sia

CIDE DICTIONARY

magnesia, n. [L. Magnesia, fem. of Magnesius of the country Magnesia, Gr. h` Magnhsi`a li`qos a magnet. Cf. Magnet.].

 A light earthy white substance, consisting of magnesium oxide (MgO), 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.  [1913 Webster]

Magnesia alba [L.] (Med. Chem.), a bulky white amorphous substance, consisting of a hydrous basic carbonate of magnesium, and used as a mild cathartic.

OXFORD DICTIONARY

magnesia, n.
1 Chem. magnesium oxide.
2 (in general use) hydrated magnesium carbonate, a white powder used as an antacid and laxative.

Derivative

magnesian adj.

Etymology

ME f. med.L f. Gk Magnesia (lithos) (stone) of Magnesia in Asia Minor, orig. referring to loadstone