dichromate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “dichromate” mean?
A chemical compound containing the anion Cr2O7^2-.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical compound containing the anion Cr2O7^2-.
Any salt or ester of dichromic acid, often used as an oxidizing agent or in analytical chemistry.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling of related terms (e.g., colour/color) may differ in broader texts.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare outside technical fields in both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “dichromate” in a Sentence
[SUBJECT] treated with dichromate[SUBJECT] oxidised by dichromatedichromate is used as [PURPOSE]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dichromate” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The dichromate method is standard for COD analysis.
American English
- The dichromate method is standard for COD testing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, only in chemical manufacturing or lab supply contexts.
Academic
Common in chemistry, materials science, and engineering papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard term in analytical chemistry, corrosion studies, and oxidation processes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dichromate”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dichromate”
- Misspelling as 'dichromite' or 'dichromate' (confusing with chromate).
- Incorrectly using it as a verb (e.g., 'to dichromate' is not standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Dichromate (Cr2O7^2-) contains two chromium atoms, while chromate (CrO4^2-) contains one. They are related and interconvertible in solution depending on pH.
No, 'dichromate' is exclusively a noun in modern English. The process is usually described as 'treatment with dichromate' or 'dichromate oxidation'.
Yes, many dichromates are toxic, carcinogenic, and strong oxidizers. They must be handled with appropriate safety precautions.
Historically in dyeing, tanning, and as a corrosion inhibitor. Modern use is more restricted to analytical chemistry and some specialized industrial processes due to toxicity.
A chemical compound containing the anion Cr2O7^2-.
Dichromate is usually technical/scientific in register.
Dichromate: in British English it is pronounced /daɪˈkrəʊmeɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /daɪˈkroʊmeɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DI (two) CHROM (chromium) ATE (a type of salt) = a salt with two chromium atoms.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary use of potassium dichromate in the laboratory?