How Do You Spell CADMIUM?

Pronunciation: [kˈadmi͡əm] (IPA)

Cadmium is a chemical element with the symbol Cd and atomic number 48. It is a soft, bluish-white metal that is commonly used in batteries and pigments. The spelling of "cadmium" is pronounced as /ˈkædmiəm/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "c" is pronounced as /k/ and the "a" is pronounced as /æ/, followed by the consonant cluster "dm" pronounced as /dmi/ and ending with the vowel "u" pronounced as /əm/. Together, these sounds create the distinctive pronunciation of this chemical element.

CADMIUM Meaning and Definition

  1. Cadmium is a chemical element with the symbol Cd and atomic number 48. It is a soft, bluish-white metal that is highly toxic and often found in small quantities in the Earth's crust. Cadmium is primarily obtained as a byproduct of zinc refining processes, though it can also occur naturally in certain ores.

    In terms of its properties, cadmium is a low-melting-point metal with a relatively high boiling point. It is highly resistant to corrosion and has good electrical conductivity, making it valuable for a range of industrial applications. However, its toxicity restricts widespread use.

    Cadmium's extreme toxicity poses significant risks to human health and the environment. Ingesting or inhaling cadmium can lead to various adverse health effects, including damage to the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems. Long-term exposure can result in kidney and bone damage, as well as an increased risk of various cancers. Due to these hazards, the use of cadmium in certain products, such as batteries, pigments, and coatings, is restricted or regulated in many countries.

    Cadmium contamination is a serious concern in areas where industries using or producing cadmium are located, as it can contaminate soil, air, and water sources. Concerted efforts are required to minimize cadmium exposure and prevent its spreading through proper handling, waste management, and pollution control measures.

  2. A metallic element, symbol Cd, atomic weight 111.6, resembling tin in appearance and zinc in its chemical relations. Its salts are poisonous and little used in medicine.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. A bluish-white metal discovered in 1818; an old term for zinc ore; cadmium yellow, a pigment of an intense yellow colour.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for CADMIUM

Etymology of CADMIUM

The word "cadmium" originates from the Latin term "cadmia" or "cadmīum", which is a term for calamine, a mineral that contains zinc carbonate, historically used in medicinal ointments. The Latin term was derived from the Greek word "kadmeia", referring to the same mineral. The element cadmium, which was discovered in Germany in the early 19th century, was named after the mineral calamine due to their similar appearance.

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