chromium Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a hard brittle multivalent metallic element; resistant to corrosion and tarnishing
    Cr; atomic number 24.

WordNet

Chro"mi*um noun
Etymology
NL., fr. Gr. color.
Definitions
  1. (Chem.) A comparatively rare element occurring most abundantly in the mineral chromite. Atomic weight 52.5. Symbol Cr. When isolated it is a hard, brittle, grayish white metal, fusible with difficulty. Its chief commercial importance is for its compounds, as potassium chromate, lead chromate, etc., which are brilliantly colored and are used dyeing and calico printing. Called also chrome. used as an ingredient in stainless steel, or chrome steel. The yellow pigments are also used in paints, as in painting yellow stripes on macadam highways.

Webster 1913