cadmium

noun

cad·​mi·​um ˈkad-mē-əm 

: a toxic bluish-white malleable ductile divalent metallic element used especially in batteries, pigments, and protective platings see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of cadmium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Heavy metal contamination: In addition to mercury, sardines may be contaminated by other heavy metals, such as cadmium and lead. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024

The tests that found cadmium examined TCL's quantum dot film supplies. —Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 17 Sep. 2024

Why Does My Water Smell Fishy? Presence of Barium or Cadmium Barium or cadmium in the water can cause a fishy smell. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Oct. 2024

Now, a new study is adding to emerging research showing that exposure to metals such as cadmium, uranium and copper may also be associated with the leading cause of death worldwide — cardiovascular disease. —Kristen Rogers, CNN, 20 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin cadmia zinc oxide, from Greek kadmeia, literally, Theban (earth), from feminine of kadmeios Theban, from Kadmos; from the occurrence of its ores together with zinc oxide

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cadmium

• cadmium sulfide
• cadmium telluride

Kids Definition

cadmium

noun

cad·​mi·​um ˈkad-mē-əm 

: a bluish white metallic element used especially in protective coatings see element

Medical Definition

cadmium

noun

cad·​mi·​um ˈkad-mē-əm 

: a bluish white malleable ductile toxic bivalent metallic element used especially in protective platings and in bearing metals

—symbol Cd see Chemical Elements Table