magne

n. [ L. Magnesia, fem. of Magnesius of the country Magnesia, Gr. h` Magnhsi`a li`qos a magnet. Cf. Magnet. ] (Chem.) 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Pertaining to, characterized by, or containing, magnesia or magnesium. [ 1913 Webster ]

Magnesian limestone. (Min.) See Dolomite. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. (Chem.) Pertaining to, or containing, magnesium; as, magnesic oxide. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. magnésite. ] (Min.) Native magnesium carbonate occurring in white compact or granular masses, and also in rhombohedral crystals. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ NL. & F. See Magnesia. ] (Chem.) A light silver-white metallic element of atomic number 12, 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, 24.305. Specific gravity, 1.75. [ 1913 Webster ]

Magnesium sulphate. (Chem.) Same as Epsom salts. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Chem.) A slightly alkaline chemical substance, Mg(OH)2, the active principle in the antacid milk of magnesia, also used as a laxative. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. (Chem.) Magnesia. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. [ OE. magnete, OF. magnete, L. magnes, -etis, Gr. Magnh^tis li`qos a magnet, metal that looked like silver, prop., Magnesian stone, fr. Gr. Magnhsi`a, a country in Thessaly. Cf. Magnesia, Manganese. ] 1. The loadstone; a species of iron ore (the ferrosoferric or magnetic ore, Fe3O4) which has the property of attracting iron and some of its ores, and, when freely suspended, of pointing to the poles; -- called also natural magnet. [ 1913 Webster ]

Dinocrates began to make the arched roof of the temple of Arsinoë all of magnet, or this loadstone. Holland. [ 1913 Webster ]

Two magnets, heaven and earth, allure to bliss,
The larger loadstone that, the nearer this. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Physics) A bar or mass of steel or iron to which the peculiar properties of the loadstone have been imparted; -- called, in distinction from the loadstone, an artificial magnet. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ An artificial magnet, produced by the action of an electrical current, is called an electro-magnet. [ 1913 Webster ]

Field magnet (Physics & Elec.), a magnet used for producing and maintaining a magnetic field; -- used especially of the stationary or exciting magnet of a dynamo or electromotor in distinction from that of the moving portion or armature. [ 1913 Webster ]