milk of magnesia: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1neutral, formal
Quick answer
What does “milk of magnesia” mean?
A white, opaque, milky liquid containing magnesium hydroxide in suspension, used as an antacid and mild laxative.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A white, opaque, milky liquid containing magnesium hydroxide in suspension, used as an antacid and mild laxative.
It can refer, more generally, to over-the-counter medications for indigestion or constipation, or metaphorically to something soothing or corrective.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally used and understood in both varieties; the product is widely available. Minor differences exist in associated brand names or competing products.
Connotations
Neutral medicinal connotations in both. May have slightly old-fashioned associations for younger speakers who use more modern brand names.
Frequency
Equally common in pharmacy/medical contexts. Slightly less frequent in everyday speech than generic terms like "antacid" or "laxative".
Grammar
How to Use “milk of magnesia” in a Sentence
[Subject] takes/uses [milk of magnesia] for [indigestion/constipation].[Milk of magnesia] relieves [symptom].Take [dose] of [milk of magnesia].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “milk of magnesia” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The doctor advised him to milk of magnesia? (No verb form exists)
American English
- You can't verb this noun.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form)
adjective
British English
- It had a milk-of-magnesia effect. (hyphenated compound adjective)
- a milk-of-magnesia bottle
American English
- a milk of magnesia moment (informal, metaphorical for something soothing)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in pharmaceutical retail, marketing of over-the-counter medications.
Academic
Appears in pharmacology, chemistry, or medical history texts discussing antacids.
Everyday
Used when discussing home remedies, minor digestive issues, or pharmacy purchases.
Technical
A specific formulation of magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) in water, used as an antacid and osmotic laxative.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “milk of magnesia”
- Incorrect article: 'a milk of magnesia' (it's generally non-count, like 'some milk of magnesia').
- Spelling: 'milk of magnesia', 'milk of magnesium' (incorrect).
- Capitalisation: Often not capitalised as it's genericised, though historically it was 'Milk of Magnesia'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is intended for occasional use. Prolonged daily use can lead to electrolyte imbalances and dependence. Always consult a doctor for chronic issues.
Yes, as an antacid it neutralises stomach acid and can provide temporary relief from heartburn and indigestion.
Because of its physical appearance: it is a white, opaque, milky suspension of magnesium hydroxide in water.
Both contain magnesium, but Epsom salts is magnesium sulfate, typically used in baths or as a laxative when dissolved in water. Milk of magnesia is a pre-mixed liquid suspension of magnesium hydroxide.
A white, opaque, milky liquid containing magnesium hydroxide in suspension, used as an antacid and mild laxative.
Milk of magnesia is usually neutral, formal in register.
Milk of magnesia: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɪlk əv mæɡˈniːʒə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɪlk əv mæɡˈniːʒə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not a common source for idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MILK (looks milky) OF MAGNESIA (contains magnesium). A milky drink for a magnesium-based remedy.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEDICINE IS A SOOTHING LIQUID / A CORRECTIVE AGENT.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary active ingredient in milk of magnesia?