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

For example, stainless steel has the addition of chromium to add rust resistance, while alloy steels might add nickel, copper, or aluminum to serve as construction material. —Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025

The tiny, lightweight membranes — which are made of aluminum oxide and a layer of chromium — take advantage of a phenomenon known as photophoresis, which occurs when one side of a slice of thin material gets warmer than the other. —Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 16 Aug. 2025

But this form of tanning produces chromium waste, which pollutes the neighboring waterways. —Gia Yetikyel, Vogue, 26 Apr. 2025

Toxic pollutants such as arsenic, lead, mercury and chromium are contaminating the groundwater at the Eagle Valley site in Martinsville then migrating offsite from containment ponds — a violation of federal coal ash rules, the Hoosier Environment Council says. —Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 5 Aug. 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