# chromium

/ˈkɹoʊmiəm/ (US) · /kɹˈəʊmiəm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chromium
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. the chemical element

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a hard, shiny grey metal that does not rust easily. It is often used to make steel stronger or to give car parts a shiny finish.

For teachers: a hard, brittle, steely-grey transition metal (symbol Cr) valued for its high corrosion resistance and ability to take a high polish.

- The factory uses chromium to make the steel parts more resistant to rust.
- Chromium is an essential alloying element in stainless steel, providing the necessary oxidation resistance for industrial applications.

Usage: Uncountable when referring to the element; countable when referring to specific isotopes or chemical samples.

### 2. web browser project

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a free, open-source software project that provides the code for many popular web browsers, including Google Chrome.

For teachers: an open-source web browser project developed by Google that serves as the codebase for several proprietary browsers.

- Many developers prefer using Chromium because it is open-source and very fast.
- The new browser is built on the Chromium engine, ensuring compatibility with the vast majority of existing web extensions.

Usage: Proper noun; usually used without an article.

## Examples

- The car's bumpers are coated in shiny chromium.
- Manufacturers often add chromium to steel to create stainless steel, which does not rust easily.
- The industrial application of chromium plating provides both an aesthetically pleasing mirror finish and a functional barrier against environmental degradation for high-performance mechanical components.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.