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

Colbert said the words translate to “warning may contain cadmium” in Latin.

From The Daily Beast

The words “Cavene Cadmium Sit” were inscribed on the glorious gold medal, depicting a naked man running with scissors.

From The Daily Beast

It was she who had stood under the red pier-light, watching that cadmium horn of the moon that lifted itself out of the sea!

From Project Gutenberg

With all the sulphides of cadmium a steel palette knife is best avoided.

From Project Gutenberg

Under this name chromate of cadmium was introduced some few years back.

From Project Gutenberg

The addition of salts of lead and cadmium was without effect.

From Project Gutenberg

Sulphide of cadmium is used as a pigment (cadmium yellow); and the metal and some of its salts are useful reagents.

From Project Gutenberg