cadmium

[ kad-mee-uh m ]
/ ˈkæd mi əm /

noun

a white, ductile divalent metallic element resembling tin, used in plating and in making certain alloys. Symbol: Cd; atomic weight: 112.41; atomic number: 48; specific gravity: 8.6 at 20°C.

Origin of cadmium

1815–25; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin cadm(īa) calamine (orig. Cadmēa terra < Greek Kadmeía gê Cadmean earth) + -ium -ium

OTHER WORDS FROM cadmium

cad·mic, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for cadmium

British Dictionary definitions for cadmium

cadmium
/ (ˈkædmɪəm) /

noun

a malleable ductile toxic bluish-white metallic element that occurs in association with zinc ores. It is used in electroplating, alloys, and as a neutron absorber in the control of nuclear fission. Symbol: Cd; atomic no: 48; atomic wt: 112.411; valency: 2; relative density: 8.65; melting pt: 321.1°C; boiling pt: 767°C

Word Origin for cadmium

C19: from New Latin, from Latin cadmīa zinc ore, calamine, referring to the fact that both calamine and cadmium are found in the ore

Medical definitions for cadmium

cadmium
[ kădmē-əm ]

n. Symbol Cd

A soft metallic element occurring primarily in zinc, copper, and lead ores that is used in low-friction fatigue-resistant alloys, solders, batteries, nuclear reactor shields, and electroplating. Atomic number 48.

Scientific definitions for cadmium

cadmium
[ kădmē-əm ]

Cd

A rare, soft, bluish-white metallic element that occurs mainly in zinc, copper, and lead ores. Cadmium is plated onto other metals and alloys to prevent corrosion, and it is used in rechargeable batteries and in nuclear control rods as a neutron absorber. Atomic number 48; atomic weight 112.41; melting point 320.9°C; boiling point 765°C; specific gravity 8.65; valence 2. See Periodic Table.