chromium

noun

chro·​mi·​um ˈkrō-mē-əm 

: a blue-white metallic element found naturally only in combination and used especially in alloys and in electroplating see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of chromium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hexavalent chromium, a by-product of industrial processes such as metal fabricating and burning coal for electricity. —Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 30 Sep. 2025

Beyond this, chromium shines in decorative chrome plating for automobiles, fixtures, and machinery. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025

Two of the most common pollutants released are benzene and chromium. —Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 15 Sep. 2025

Recognizing the complexities inherent to the critical materials market, encompassing base metals like nickel, lithium, chromium and magnesium alongside rare earths and specialty minerals such as cobalt and germanium, there is a pressing imperative for greater transparency. —Sahit Muja, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

chrome entry 1 + -ium

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing chromium

• chromium picolinate

Rhymes for chromium

• ferrochromium
• prostomium

Kids Definition

chromium

noun

chro·​mi·​um ˈkrō-mē-əm 

: a blue-white metallic element found in nature only in combination and used especially in alloys and in chrome plating see element

Medical Definition

chromium

noun

chro·​mi·​um ˈkrō-mē-əm 

: a blue-white metallic element found naturally only in combination and used especially in alloys and in electroplating

—symbol Cr see Chemical Elements Table