magnesia Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a white solid mineral that occurs naturally as periclase; a source of magnesium
periclase; magnesium oxide.

L. Magnesia, fem. of Magnesius of the country Magnesia, Gr. a magnet. Cf. Magnet.

(Chem.) 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.