milk of magnesia

noun
1.
a milky white suspension in water of magnesium hydroxide, Mg (OH) 2 , used as an antacid or laxative.
Origin
1875-80; formerly trademark
Examples from the web for milk of magnesia
  • Suppositories or gentle laxatives, such as milk of magnesia liquid, may establish regular bowel movements.
British Dictionary definitions for milk of magnesia

milk of magnesia

noun
1.
a suspension of magnesium hydroxide in water, used as an antacid and laxative
Word Origin and History for milk of magnesia
n.

1880, proprietary name for white suspension of magnesium hydroxide in water, taken as an antacid, invented by U.S. chemist Charles Henry Phillips. Herbal or culinary preparations resembling milk had been similarly named (e.g. milk of almond) since early 15c.

milk of magnesia in Medicine

milk of magnesia n.
A milky white aqueous suspension of magnesium hydroxide used as an antacid and a laxative.