cadmium

noun

cad·​mi·​um ˈkad-mē-əm How to pronounce cadmium (audio)
: a toxic bluish-white malleable ductile divalent metallic element used especially in batteries, pigments, and protective platings see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of cadmium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Our Place cookware features an advanced nontoxic, nonstick coating made without PFAS, lead or cadmium, along with a timeless-meets-modern design that looks beautiful in any kitchen. — ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026 Long-term exposure to arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, nickel and diesel exhaust has also been linked to lung cancer. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 31 July 2026 In 2015, a battery recycling plant that had been operating in Vernon for decades had to close down and pay $50 million toward cleaning up its hazardous wastes such as lead dust, cadmium and arsenic. — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026 Overall, the metals with the highest concentrations were zinc and calcium, but tampons also contained lead, arsenic, and cadmium, which are known for their potential toxicity. — Allison Forsyth, Health, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cadmium

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin cadmia zinc oxide, from Greek kadmeia, literally, Theban (earth), from feminine of kadmeios Theban, from Kadmos; from the occurrence of its ores together with zinc oxide

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cadmium was in 1818

Phrases Containing cadmium

Browse Nearby Words

cadmiferous
cadmium
cadmium blende
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cadmium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cadmium. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cadmium

noun
cad·​mi·​um ˈkad-mē-əm How to pronounce cadmium (audio)
: a bluish white metallic element used especially in protective coatings see element

Medical Definition

cadmium

noun
cad·​mi·​um ˈkad-mē-əm How to pronounce cadmium (audio)
: a bluish white malleable ductile toxic bivalent metallic element used especially in protective platings and in bearing metals
—symbol Cd see Chemical Elements Table

More from Merriam-Webster on cadmium

Nglish: Translation of cadmium for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cadmium

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