manganese

noun

man·​ga·​nese ˈmaŋ-gə-ˌnēz How to pronounce manganese (audio)
-ˌnēs
: a grayish-white usually hard and brittle metallic element that resembles iron but is not magnetic and is used especially in alloys, batteries, and plant fertilizers see Chemical Elements Table
manganesian
ˌmaŋ-gə-ˈnē-zhən How to pronounce manganese (audio)
-shən
adjective

Examples of manganese in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The process begins by crushing and grinding magnets before digestion and separation of base metals, including iron, manganese, aluminum, nickel, copper, and boron. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026 On top of that, overly acidic gardens cause the build-up of soil nutrients like manganese and aluminum in excessive amounts, creating toxic conditions for plants. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Sep. 2026 Palumbo noted that the seeds also provide modest amounts of zinc, selenium, manganese, vitamin B1 (thiamin) and vitamin E, each of which plays important roles in metabolism, immune health, and protecting cells from oxidative damage. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026 Half a degree To figure out how cool and dry the region was, the team measured the ratios among some elements, specifically the silicon-to-aluminum and manganese-to-iron ratios. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for manganese

Word History

Etymology

French manganèse, from Italian manganese manganese dioxide

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of manganese was in 1783

Phrases Containing manganese

Rhymes for manganese

See All Rhymes for manganese

Browse Nearby Words

manganeisen
manganese
manganese black
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Manganese.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manganese. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

manganese

noun
man·​ga·​nese ˈmaŋ-gə-ˌnēz How to pronounce manganese (audio)
-ˌnēs
: a grayish white usually hard and brittle metallic element that resembles iron but is not magnetic see element

Medical Definition

manganese

noun
man·​ga·​nese ˈmaŋ-gə-ˌnēz, -ˌnēs How to pronounce manganese (audio)
: a grayish white usually hard and brittle metallic element that resembles iron but is not magnetic
—symbol Mn see Chemical Elements Table

More from Merriam-Webster on manganese

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about manganese

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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