chromium

noun

chro·​mi·​um ˈkrō-mē-əm 

: a blue-white metallic element found naturally only in combination and used especially in alloys and in electroplating see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of chromium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Mine waste including hexavalent chromium—the same cancer-​causing toxin that Erin Brockovich famously campaigned against—has polluted streams and waterways. —Vince Beiser, TIME, 29 Nov. 2024

In an investigation of a range of these products, published Wednesday in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, the researchers found that several contained high levels of at least one metal, including chromium and cadmium. —Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 30 Oct. 2024

However, the old oil from a lawn mower picks up various contaminants, including lead, cadmium, chromium, arsenic, and more. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Oct. 2024

Malibu’s tap water may have more hexavalent chromium while Pasadena’s doesn’t have any. —Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

chrome entry 1 + -ium

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing chromium

• chromium picolinate

Kids Definition

chromium

noun

chro·​mi·​um ˈkrō-mē-əm 

: a blue-white metallic element found in nature only in combination and used especially in alloys and in chrome plating see element

Medical Definition

chromium

noun

chro·​mi·​um ˈkrō-mē-əm 

: a blue-white metallic element found naturally only in combination and used especially in alloys and in electroplating

—symbol Cr see Chemical Elements Table