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

Recognizing the complexities inherent to the critical materials market, encompassing base metals like nickel, lithium, chromium and magnesium alongside rare earths and specialty minerals such as cobalt and germanium, there is a pressing imperative for greater transparency. —Sahit Muja, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

The process yields what Travers describes as a chromium-like brilliance. —Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2025

Top pollutants reported at facilities include chromium compounds, benzene, polycyclic aromatic compounds, cadmium compounds, nickel compounds, arsenic compounds, quinoline, manganese compounds, lead compounds and naphthalene, according to the study. —Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025

For example, stainless steel has the addition of chromium to add rust resistance, while alloy steels might add nickel, copper, or aluminum to serve as construction material. —Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

chrome entry 1 + -ium

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing chromium

• chromium picolinate

Rhymes for chromium

• ferrochromium
• prostomium

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