cadmio

cadmium

noun KAHD-myoh Rare

Origin: From New Latin cadmia, from Greek kadmeia (Theban earth), named after Cadmus, legendary founder of Thebes, where zinc ores containing cadmium were found.

Usage Note

Cadmio is the chemical element with atomic number 48, symbol Cd. It is a toxic heavy metal used historically in batteries and pigments; amarillo de cadmio (cadmium yellow) is a well-known artists' pigment. EU regulations have increasingly restricted its use due to environmental hazard, a context where the word appears frequently in Spanish technical and legal texts.

Examples

"El cadmio es un metal altamente tóxico."

Natural Translation

Cadmium is a highly toxic metal.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

Tener in Spanish: Why You're Hungry, Cold & 30 Years

In Spanish you HAVE hunger, cold, and 30 years — not are them. Master tener expressions like tengo hambre, tengo frío, and tengo 30 años in one rule.

June 9, 2026 5 min read

SpanishNow

How to Respond to ¿Cómo Estás? (Not Just Bien)

Respond to ¿cómo estás? like a native: add gracias, bounce back ¿y tú?, and pick a reply by mood — bien, no me quejo, más o menos, or ahí voy.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

How to Tell Time in Spanish: A Beginner's Guide

Tell time in Spanish with one formula: es la una vs son las, y and menos for minutes, plus de la mañana, en punto, and 24-hour station times.

June 9, 2026 5 min read

SpanishNow

How to Introduce Yourself in Spanish: 12 Real Phrases

Introduce yourself in Spanish with 12 ready-to-speak phrases — name, origin, age, and job — in both tú and usted, with the verb traps that trip up beginners.

June 9, 2026 5 min read