01 n. A light earthy white substance, consisting of magnesium oxide (MgO), and obtained by heating magnesium hydrate or carbonate, or by burning …
-
1.
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.(Chem.) See: Magnesium
Phrases & compounds
Magnesia alba —
a bulky white amorphous substance, consisting of a hydrous basic carbonate of magnesium, and used as a mild cathartic.