n. a soft bluish-white metallic element occurring naturally with zinc ores, and used in the manufacture of solders and in electroplating. °Symb.: Cd. cadmium cell Electr. a standard primary cell. cadmium yellow an intense yellow pigment containing cadmium sulphide and used in paints etc.
[ obs. cadmia calamine f. L cadmia f. Gk kadm(e)ia (ge) Cadmean (earth), f. Cadmus legendary founder of Thebes: see -IUM ]