MAGNESIA

magnesia. Magnesia, n. a species of earth white and soft, very absorbent and purgative

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Mag‐ne″si‐a (?; 277), n. [[L. Magnesia, fem. of Magnesius of the country Magnesia, Gr. ή Μαγνησία λίθοσ 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. Magnesia alba [] (Med. Chem.), a bulky white amorphous substance, consisting of a hydrous basic carbonate of magnesium, and used as a mild cathartic.