manganese
UK[ˈmæŋɡəniːz]US[ˈmæŋɡəniːz]
n
a greyish-white, hard, brittle metallic chemical element, used especially in making steel and other alloys.
Etymology
the word 'manganese' entered english in the 17th century via french 'manganèse', which itself derived from italian 'manganese'. the italian term was an alteration of medieval latin 'magnesia', a word used for various mineral substances. this latin term was borrowed from greek 'magnēsia (lithos)', meaning 'magnesian stone', referring to a region in thessaly, greece, known for its mineral deposits. the specific application to the metallic element manganese, distinct from the mineral magnesia (magnesium oxide), was a later chemical refinement, with the name persisting due to the mineral (manganese dioxide) from which it was first isolated.
Analysis
this word is a simplex loanword. it does not contain separable morphemes within its modern english spelling that contribute independent meaning.
Examples
manganese is an essential trace element for many living organisms.
the steel was alloyed with manganese to increase its strength and hardness.
some dry-cell batteries contain manganese dioxide as a cathode material.