cadmium

[ kad-mee-uhm ]

noun

1. a white, ductile divalent metallic element resembling tin, used in plating and in making certain alloys. : Cd; : 112.41; : 48; : 8.6 at 20°C.

cadmium

/ ˈkædmɪəm /

noun

1. a malleable ductile toxic bluish-white metallic element that occurs in association with zinc ores. It is used in electroplating, alloys, and as a neutron absorber in the control of nuclear fission. Symbol: Cd; atomic no: 48; atomic wt: 112.411; valency: 2; relative density: 8.65; melting pt: 321.1°C; boiling pt: 767°C

cadmium

/ kăd′mē-əm /

1. A rare, soft, bluish-white metallic element that occurs mainly in zinc, copper, and lead ores. Cadmium is plated onto other metals and alloys to prevent corrosion, and it is used in rechargeable batteries and in nuclear control rods as a neutron absorber. Atomic number 48; atomic weight 112.41; melting point 320.9°C; boiling point 765°C; specific gravity 8.65; valence 2.
2. See Periodic Table

Other Words From

• cadmic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cadmium¹

1815–25; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin cadm ( īa ) calamine (originally Cadmēa terra < Greek Kadmeía gê Cadmean earth) + -ium -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of cadmium¹

C19: from New Latin, from Latin cadmīa zinc ore, calamine , referring to the fact that both calamine and cadmium are found in the ore

Example Sentences

One in particular — Phos-Chek LC-95W — had “potentially alarming” concentrations of several metals, including chromium, cadmium and vanadium, he said, adding that the substance could be classified as hazardous waste under federal and California regulations.

From Los Angeles Times

Some reports also suggest that, depending on the habitat, seaweed species may accumulate heavy metals such as cadmium, which has been reported to cause liver and kidney toxicity, and mercury, a known neurotoxin.

From Salon

A new study in Frontiers in Nutrition has found the presence of heavy metals in multiple dark chocolate products, specifically referencing lead and cadmium, echoing a separate report from last year.

From Salon

There was recently an update on cadmium and lead in cocoa and chocolate.

From Seattle Times

Elevated or high levels of iron, zinc, nickel, copper and cadmium have been measured.

From Science Daily