chromium

noun

chro·​mi·​um ˈkrō-mē-əm How to pronounce chromium (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Coal ash carries arsenic, chromium, lead and mercury. — Alex Burton, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026 Maker explains how on stainless steel, peroxide can break down the protective chromium layer, which may lead to rust spots or pitting over time. — Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 23 June 2026 The numbers state the percentage of chromium and nickel used, respectively. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 19 June 2026 Those particles may have been grinding in the joint, causing mechanical wear on the cobalt-chromium femoral head that released cobalt into the surrounding tissue and bloodstream. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for chromium

Word History

Etymology

chrome entry 1 + -ium

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chromium was in 1807

Phrases Containing chromium

Rhymes for chromium

See All Rhymes for chromium

Browse Nearby Words

chromitite
chromium
chromium green
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chromium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chromium. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

chromium

noun
chro·​mi·​um ˈkrō-mē-əm How to pronounce chromium (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce chromium (audio)
: a blue-white metallic element found naturally only in combination and used especially in alloys and in electroplating
—symbol Cr see Chemical Elements Table

More from Merriam-Webster on chromium

Nglish: Translation of chromium for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chromium

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