cadmium

American  

[kad-mee-uhm] / ˈkæd mi əm /

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 British  

/ 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 Scientific  

/ 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 Word Forms

Derived Forms

• cadmic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of cadmium

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

Example Sentences

"Something really had to be done: cadmium builds up silently in the body and can ultimately cause serious problems," he said.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

Elevated lead levels were the primary driver, and cadmium concentrations in bananas also surpassed FAO recommendations.

From Science Daily • Feb. 17, 2026

These include heavy metals like cadmium and lead.

From Salon • Jan. 9, 2026

Solar panels are mostly recyclable, made of glass, aluminium, silver, and polymers - but trace toxic metals like lead and cadmium can pollute soil and water if mishandled.

From BBC • Dec. 25, 2025

Held together by a long metal frame, the control rods are long, thin poles made of a material, often containing cadmium, that absorbs neutrons.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland