chromium

[ kroh-mee-uhm ]

noun

1. a lustrous, hard, brittle, metallic element used in alloy steels for hardness and corrosion resistance, as in stainless steel, and for plating other metals: chromium salts are used as pigments and mordants. : Cr; : 51.996; : 24; : 7.1.
2. chrome ( def 2 ).

chromium

/ ˈkrəʊmɪəm /

noun

1. a hard grey metallic element that takes a high polish, occurring principally in chromite: used in steel alloys and electroplating to increase hardness and corrosion-resistance. Symbol: Cr; atomic no: 24; atomic wt: 51.9961; valency: 2, 3, or 6; relative density: 7.18–7.20; melting pt: 1863±20°C; boiling pt: 2672°C

chromium

/ krō′mē-əm /

1. A hard, shiny, steel-gray metallic element that is rust-resistant and does not tarnish easily. It is used to plate other metals, to harden steel, and to make stainless steel and other alloys. Atomic number 24; atomic weight 51.996; melting point 1,890°C; boiling point 2,482°C; specific gravity 7.18; valence 2, 3, 6.
2. See Periodic Table

Word History and Origins

Origin of chromium¹

First recorded in 1800–10; chrome + -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of chromium¹

C19: from New Latin, from French: chrome

Example Sentences

For instance, a ruby gets its brilliant red color by swapping a little bit of chromium for aluminum in its formula.

From Popular-Science

In rubies, the chromium atoms are positioned close oxygen atoms.

From Popular-Science

Starting in 2016, the Altamaha Riverkeeper began testing private wells for contaminants commonly found in coal ash, including hexavalent chromium, a trace metal associated with an increased risk of cancer.

From ProPublica

The wells closer to Scherer’s ash ponds — including along Luther Smith Road — generally had levels of hexavalent chromium higher than those farther away.

From ProPublica

Dupree recently tested his drinking well, finding levels of hexavalent chromium above the health standards set by California and North Carolina.

From ProPublica

Unlike metals like iron, which rusts and corrodes dramatically, chromium remains stable after oxidation and subsequent burial.

From The Daily Beast

The coal ash deposits have heavy concentrations of hexavalent chromium, a carcinogen.

From The Daily Beast

RockMelt is built on open-source code—the Chromium software created by Google and used for its own Chrome browser.

From The Daily Beast

A similar result is obtained when the solution of a chromium salt is treated with a solution of ammonium sulphide.

From Project Gutenberg

Any chromium present will now be in solution in the easily recognised form of potassic chromate (see “Chromium”).

From Project Gutenberg

Just at that moment a big blue sports roadster pushed a bright chromium nose around the corner of the house.

From Project Gutenberg

A small beaded screen had been pulled down from the ceiling, facing two chromium-and-leather lounge chairs.

From Project Gutenberg

Hydrated chromium sesquioxide is another mineral emerald green.

From Project Gutenberg