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chromium

American  
[kroh-mee-uhm] / ˈkroʊ mi əm /

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.


chromium British  
/ 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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

chromium Scientific  
/ krōmē-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


Etymology

Origin of chromium

First recorded in 1800–10; chrome + -ium

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The continent is loaded with copper, chromium, lithium and rare earths.

From MarketWatch

Elevated amounts of lead, chromium, and antimony were also detected.

From Science Daily

The findings were consistent with previous work on chromium, calcium, titanium, and zirconium isotopes: Earth and Moon show no measurable differences in these ratios.

From Science Daily

Investigators allege both foundries in Paramount failed to conduct tests to ensure compliance with hexavalent chromium emission limits, did not properly clean areas near chrome-alloy-melting facilities and operated equipment without necessary permits.

From Los Angeles Times

In particular, they cited the government’s evaluation of chemicals including formaldehyde, inorganic arsenic and hexavalent chromium, which can be used or created by industrial processes.

From Los Angeles Times