chrome
UK: krəʊm | US: kroʊm
n. 1. A hard, shiny metal coating, typically chromium or a chromium alloy.
n. 2. Short for "chromium," a chemical element (Cr) used in plating and dyes.
n. 3. (Informal) The Google Chrome web browser.
chrome = chrom<color> + e<silent suffix>
- chrom (from Greek chrôma "color"): Reflects chromium's property of producing vibrant colored compounds.
- e: A silent suffix in English, often retained from Greek/Latin adaptations.
Etymology Origin:
Derived from French chrome (1797), coined from Greek chrôma ("color") due to chromium's colorful compounds. The metal was named by French chemist Louis Nicolas Vauquelin after isolating it from a red lead mineral. The modern usage for "shiny coating" (early 20th c.) and "web browser" (2008) extends from its association with metallic luster and speed (metaphorically).
The car's bumper was coated with chrome to prevent rust.
Chromium is mined for use in stainless steel production.
She polished the chrome fixtures until they gleamed.
Chrome oxide gives emeralds their green hue.
I prefer Chrome for its fast browsing speed.