Chro"mi*um (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr.
? color.] (Chem.) A comparatively rare element
occurring most abundantly in the mineral chromite. Atomic weight
52.5. Symbol Cr. When isolated it is a hard, brittle, grayish
white metal, fusible with difficulty. Its chief commercial
importance is for its compounds, as potassium chromate, lead
chromate, etc., which are brilliantly colored and are used dyeing
and calico printing. Called also chrome.