chromium
UK: ˈkrəʊmiəm | US: ˈkroʊmiəm
n. A hard, shiny, metallic chemical element (symbol Cr) used in alloys and plating to resist corrosion.
n. A bluish-white color resembling the element.
chromium = chrom<color> + ium<chemical element suffix>
- chrom<color>: From Greek chrôma (χρῶμα), meaning "color," referencing the vibrant compounds of chromium.
- ium<chemical element suffix>: A Latin-derived suffix used for metallic elements (e.g., sodium, uranium).
Etymology Origin:
Discovered in 1797, chromium derives its name from its colorful compounds, which exhibit vivid hues like red, yellow, and green. The Greek root chrôma reflects this chromatic property, while -ium aligns with naming conventions for metals. The word’s logic ties its identity to its visual chemistry.
Chromium is essential for manufacturing stainless steel.
The artist used a pigment containing chromium to achieve a bright yellow.
Chromium plating prevents rust on car parts.
The mineral chromite is the primary source of chromium.
Some dietary supplements contain trace amounts of chromium.