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

To start things off, the scientists added specific quantities of lead, chromium, copper, zinc and cadmium to samples of clean water, then heated that water to just below the boiling point. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 1 Mar. 2025

The treaty bans mining in the region, protecting small reserves of iron ore, coal and chromium. —Eve Sampson, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2025

Leather tanning also uses substances that can cause harm to workers in the industry, with chromium frequently used in the process. —Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 2 Jan. 2025

The brilliant colors of rubies and emeralds come from the presence of very small amounts of chromium. —Daniel Freedman, The Conversation, 4 Feb. 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