chromium

Everyday

1. Chromium is a hard, shiny, silvery-grey metal; it is a chemical element with the symbol Cr and atomic number 24. tree →
2. (informal) Chrome is a shiny coating of chromium put on other metals. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons chromium is mixed with iron to make stainless steel, which does not rust. It is used to plate car parts, taps and bicycle handlebars so they shine. Chromium compounds give colour to rubies (red) and emeralds (green). Our bodies need a very tiny amount of chromium. Phrases: chromium-plated, chrome.

Examples

• The bike's handlebars are coated with chromium. tree →
• Stainless steel contains chromium so it does not rust. tree →
• The chemical symbol for chromium is Cr. tree →
• A little chromium makes rubies red. tree →
• The old car had shiny chromium bumpers. tree →
• Chromium is a hard, silvery metal. tree →
• The taps in the bathroom are chromium-plated. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Informally called chrome. The name comes from Greek «chroma» meaning colour, because its compounds are so colourful. Some chromium compounds are poisonous.