from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Magnesia \Mag*ne"si*a\ (?; 277), 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]